In a previous post I had mentioned that my usual 12 year choices had suddenly jumped in price, some by as much a 10$ per bottle.  So last time I went to buy a low priced bottle I used it as an opportunity to try something new.  That’s when I came across a bottle of Tomintoul 12, Limited Edition Sherry Cask.  I think I was enamored by the ‘Limited Edition Sherry Cask’ and the fact that the price was right, low 40$.

I had to try a few glasses over time before writing this review.  The nose is very nice but difficult for me to identify.  The label says creamy but I don’t know what that means.  The more I smell it the more I think bakery, I smell crushed cashew, like marzipan, and a malty scent.  There is also the hint of wine, and there is sweetness present, like bubblegum.  So, in short I’d say the nose is baked goods, bubblegum and wine.

To me the taste is strong, initially very spicy, with a robust dry red wine flavor.  There is a strong spicy flavor and bitterness, like rubber and or motor oil.  There is also the flavor of bread, definitely a cake/bread/baked goods flavor.  The bitter rubbery taste is the after taste.

The bottle advertised light sweet balanced delicate flavor with a hint of sherry.  I’m not sure I am tasting what the maker intends but I like it a lot, the flavor is more like the kind of scotches I usually like.  This was an interesting surprise, I’d say a success.  I find myself thinking about the flavor of this scotch long after drinking it.  It has a very interesting flavor that seems to reveal something new each time I try it.  I am impressed with this scotch and will ration it for some time.

copyright 2014 David R Bergman