Tomintoul 14 Year Old

In our last review, we delved into the world of whisky with the somewhat underwhelming Glenlivet 12 year old. Today, we venture just a stone's throw away from Glenlivet to explore another distillery with a shorter history but a distinctive identity: Tomintoul. Established in 1964, Tomintoul has made its mark in Speyside as "the gentle dram." Interestingly, despite having no affiliation with Glenlivet, Tomintoul upholds the convention of incorporating "Glenlivet" in its name — a practice dating back to the 1860s when rival distilleries such as Macallan, Aberlour, Glen Grant and many more claimed the term had become synonymous with the style of whisky from the area. But does the Tomintoul 14 bare any resemblance to The Glenlivet 12? Let’s find out…

Bottle

The bottle design of the Tomintoul 14 closely resembles that of the Glenlivet 12, offering a rather unassuming appearance that blends into the shelves. However, one notable departure is the uncommon use of red, a colour that seems to contradict Tomintoul's image as "the gentle dram." Nevertheless, the embossing on the neck and base adds a touch of intrigue to the design.

Colour

With a gentle light gold hue, Tomintoul 14 reflects its moniker of "the gentle dram." While it boasts a subtle artificial colouring, its delicate shade evokes a sense of tranquility.

Nose - Upon nosing, the aroma of orchard fruits, particularly apples and pears, takes centre stage. This crisp freshness, complemented by floral and sweet undertones of apple blossom and Turkish delight, elegantly sets the scene for the first sip.

Palate - Despite its 14 years in ex-bourbon casks and a robust alcohol content of 46%, Tomintoul 14 surprises with its gentle flavour profile (maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise from “the gentle dram”!). Creamy vanilla notes dance on the palate, preceding the inevitable apple essence. A subtle barley taste weaves through, harmonising the flavours beautifully.

Finish - As the predominant flavours gradually fade, a subtle spiciness emerges, offering hints of ginger and pepper. The medium-length finish leaves a satisfying conclusion to each sip.

Overall

Tomintoul 14 proves the age-old adage: don't judge a book by its cover. While its unassuming bottle may not command attention, the whisky within is a pleasant surprise. In a comparison to Glenlivet 12, Tomintoul 14 emerges as the clear winner in terms of flavour and depth. Although the price difference is notable, the higher alcohol content of Tomintoul 14 makes it a worthwhile investment. Despite their proximity in production, these two whiskies are worlds apart in terms of quality and experience.

Available from Master of Malt for around £53, or check price and availability at Amazon