Tomintoul 10 Year Old is a single malt whisky matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Bottled at 40% ABV, it is priced at $46. Established in 1965, Tomintoul Distillery is located in the Cairngorms National Park, near the highest village in the Scottish Highlands. The distillery uses water from the Ballantruan spring.
Tarring grass and hay works over the tongue, with brine and lemon zest being joined by small herbs and a tiny spice. Barley and potpourri melt together for a startling conclusion.
The palate is relatively insubstantial, with nutty milk chocolate, vanilla, brittle toffee, and oak. Nutty in the short finish, with a hint of malt and drying oak.
Tomintoul 10 is a flat, light and lifeless whisky and calling it “The Gentle Dram” is an understatement. It comes across like someone mixed a regular 40% whisky 40/60 with water.
