Tomintoul 14 Year Old
Floral, Nutty, Hay Like2024-09-26
Smell
The first impression of the Tomintoul 14 Year Old is dense and complex. The nose is enveloped by a subtle smoke that remains pleasantly subtle and does not play the dominant role that one might expect from more heavily peated whiskies. In the foreground are honey notes that provide a pleasant sweetness, accompanied by a hay and vanilla flavour that is typical of Speyside whiskies. Floral notes give the flavour a slight freshness, while the smoke in the background adds a certain depth. An interesting comparison here could be Clynelish, which also has smoky tones, but is much ‘funkier’. The Tomintoul remains more elegant and accessible.
Taste
On the tongue, the Tomintoul 14 year old shows its malty side, with the honey flavour still present and given an additional dimension by the light smoke. The whisky has a heavy, spicy texture, which is in contrast to many fruity, light Speyside whiskies. Interesting notes of apricot brandy and a potato spice mix bring an unexpected spiciness that is rounded off with a hint of mint.
Finish
The finish of the single malt is of medium length and remains predominantly spicy and oaky. A slight sweetness of sugar mixes with a sour note, which gives the whisky an interesting finish. This acidity ensures that the whisky does not remain too heavy on the tongue and has a pleasant finish.
Thoughts
The Tomintoul 14 year old is a solid Speyside whisky that is particularly suitable as an introduction to the world of single malts. It offers a good balance between sweet and spicy notes, with a hint of smoke that sets it apart from many other Speyside whiskies. However, it lacks the complexity that experienced connoisseurs might expect from a whisky of this age.
For beginners, however, the Tomintoul 14 year old is a good choice to get to know the diversity of the Speyside region without being overwhelmed by too many flavours. It is a whisky that you can certainly try, especially if you want to immerse yourself in the Tomintoul range. Nevertheless, it remains a rather inconspicuous representative that is solid but not necessarily memorable.