Whisky Review/Tasting: Tomatin Single Cask 2003

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tomatin Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Cask Vintage Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially matured in several smaller casks before undergoing a two-year finishing period in an Oloroso sherry cask.
Age Statement: 12 years old, vintage 2003, bottled in 2015.
Alcohol Content: 58.1% ABV.
Color and Clarity: Described as dark, implying a deep amber hue likely influenced by the sherry cask finishing.
Bottle Design and Details: The bottle is one of 690, specifically bottle number 111. It holds 0.7 liters of whisky.

Overall Balance: A complex and intense flavor profile with a balance between sweetness, fruitiness, and spiciness without bitterness.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky exhibits a dark, mature character, tasting and nosing older than its 12 years due to the significant influence of the sherry cask.
Flavor Notes: Dominant sherry influence, dark fruits (plums, figs), almonds (not sweetened), a hint of cocoa, and a slight oakiness in the background. The addition of water brings out grape notes and reduces the alcohol's impact without significantly altering the aroma.
Comparison: Compared to Tomatin's Legacy, which is younger and without an age statement, this single cask variant is described as older, darker, and more restful, showcasing a much older character.

Anecdotes: Horst Luening, the master taster, emphasizes the unique process of combining content from several casks into Oloroso sherry casks for finishing, which contributes to the whisky's complex character.
Trivia: The legislation on Scotch whisky labeling is mentioned, highlighting that only the last cask's influence is officially recognized, which might not fully represent the whisky's journey.

Historical Context: The Tomatin Distillery's approach to using Oloroso sherry casks for finishing speaks to the traditional and innovative practices in Scotch whisky production, blending heritage with contemporary tastes.
Geographical Note: This particular bottle was an exclusive release for the German market, indicating Tomatin's strategy of creating market-specific expressions.

"Sherry, Sherry, Sherry... Dark and mature." - Horst Luening, highlighting the dominant influence of sherry cask finishing.
"This is different. This is also extremely good, but it's older, it's darker, it's resting. It shows as if it's much older than it really is." - Luening's personal opinion on the whisky's character compared to other Tomatin expressions.

Tomatin Single Cask 2003 is a 12-year-old Scotch whisky finished in Oloroso sherry casks, presenting a dark, complex flavor profile.
The whisky tastes older than its age, with a rich balance of sherry influence, dark fruits, almonds, and a hint of cocoa.
Exclusive to the German market, this release showcases Tomatin's innovative cask finishing practices.
Horst Luening praises the whisky's mature character and complexity, contrasting it with younger Tomatin expressions.

Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate the deep, rich flavors imparted by sherry cask finishing will find this whisky particularly appealing.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Those with a palate for older, more complex whiskies will enjoy the mature character that belies its 12-year age statement.
Collectors and Market-Specific Seekers: Given its exclusivity to the German market, collectors or those interested in market-specific releases may seek out this bottle for its uniqueness.