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| Hi, this is one of our (almost) daily tastings. Santé! |
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August 26, 2026 |
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WF's Little Duos,
today Tomintoul |
We have survived Tomintoul’s many vinous convolutions in recent years and shall celebrate that with two small, official and classic expressions, probably rather light but which we haven’t tasted for almost ten years, the 14 and the 16. You’ll notice that, rather strangely, the 16-year-old is at 40% while the 14 is at 46%. I’m not saying that’s quite as important as peace in the Middle East, but still, it does make you wonder a little… So, let’s start with the lighter one… |
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Tomintoul 16 yo (40%, OB, +/-2026) 
The packaging hasn’t changed for a long time, which is quite a good sign, in theory at least. I mean, compared with the almost constant rebranding elsewhere… Colour: gold. Nose: very malty and very close to beer, so very much about the raw materials, with a discreet floral side (heather, naturally) and a little liquorice. Some cider too, and even a touch of calvados. Mouth: pleasant but rustic, even more on beer and malt, very ripe apples, a little vanilla, then notes of stout. The whole remains light, almost featherweight. Finish: rather short but more herbal, while the malty-beer side remains. A very faint touch of bitter lemon peel in the aftertaste. Comments: nothing to add, it still won’t change the face of the malt world, but it’s perfectly all right.
SGP:441 - 78 points. |
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Tomintoul 14 yo (46%, OB, +/-2025) 
There are several wine-boosted 14-year-olds around (notably white Port, PX), but this is the natural version, from ex-bourbon casks. Colour: white wine. Nose: I’ve rarely found quite so many gooseberries and so much stewed rhubarb as here, all wrapped in white chocolate and custard. It’s all rather childishly comforting, in the best possible sense. Mouth: fairly lively but less precise than on the nose, as if the lightness of the profile and texture were having a little trouble keeping the alcohol in check. Still, these notes of pink grapefruit work very well and add some… joy to the whole. A little bitter green tea then. Finish: medium in length but fresh, on apples, with a noticeable and welcome return of the gooseberries. Comments: I find this simple but really good, and I’m not saying that on a desert island, with no hope of ever returning… … …
SGP:551 - 80 points. |
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