Tomintoul 1969/2012 Archives

Nose: Ah, this is a very refreshing and enjoyable nose. There's an initial bust of honey and a mealy grain, but it gives way to tropical fruit - mango, papaya, guava. Pineapple and a hint of oak by way of light varnish, which really just emphasizes the fruit. Eventually some chocolate orange wedges (juicy) are there, and it gives a bit of alcoholic volatility. Lemon juice, too, with some vanilla and nuts, but heavier on the citric acid.

Palate: A little washed out on the palate, thin or watery on entry. Honey and dried tea leaves. A spot of bitterness on the tongue, it's that mealy grain sense from the wood. Still tasty. On the back of the tongue, I get more soft and subdued tropical fruit. It's not devoid of flavor, but it's not the most distinguished. It turns to a sort of mushroomy, oily nuttiness. That's actually something that I love in whisky! Actually, a bit, on the whole, like a lightly oaked Loire Chardonnay. Just a touch spicy, not quite pepper, but perhaps diluted ginger.

Finish: It retains the great flax-seed oil quality, and some earthy notes, though the quiet fruit from the nose makes a bit more of a return. Fairly straightforward, but one of the easiest (and softest) whiskies to drink.

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