Tomatin 1997 (Whisky-Fässle)

When you see a vintage like 1997, do you also think it’s a rather young whisky while it’s actually 17 years old already? It happens to me often…

In any case this is one of the younger vintage Tomatins I’ve had, a Tomatin 1997 bottled by Whisky-Fässle.

Tomatin 17 yo 1997
(48,3%, Whisky-Fässle 2014, hogshead)

Nose: a slightly green and gristy kind of Tomatin, close to the raw ingredients. Malty notes, sweet notes of apple, peach, melon and caramelized pumpkin. Not a young kind of sweetness though, and it’s balanced by soft earthy touches, a bit of liquorice and delicate smoke. A kind of dustiness / oiliness which works well too.

Mouth: again an oily, old-style profile. A malty core, enriched with fruits… in a garage. Apple peelings, unripe pineapples, hints of candy sugar. Lemon zest, white pepper, liquorice again. Fruit pits. Delicate herbal touches.

Finish: medium long, still fruity but the zesty and spicy notes become prominent.

A really pleasant, un-modern Tomatin, which is a nice surprise. Around € 85, still available from Whisky-Fässle.

Score: 87/100