Tomintoul 1969 42 YO The Perfect Dram

Tomintoul 1969 42 YO The Perfect Dram, 53,1 %

This rare gem from Tomintoul Distillery, in the Speyside region, was released by independent bottler The Whisky Agency. It was distilled in 1969, matured in a bourbon cask, and bottled in 2011, with a total outturn of 182 bottles. You will be hard pressed to find this available to buy anywhere these days. I only got to try it because I got a sample for my birthday a few weeks back.

Nose (23/25): Soft and delicate nose. The bourbon cask is evident. I find vanilla, light oaky notes, almonds, marzipan, and hint of tropical fruits and mint. It does invite to a long sniffing session!

Taste (22/25): Cool and slightly oily mouthfeel. Rather spicy delivery with a touch of bitterness. White and black pepper, toast, ginger, mint and eucalyptus.

Finish (21/25): More sweetness now. The soft and delicate vanilla and nuttiness from the nose is back. A bit oaky still, and the body sort of thins out towards the end. Medium to long finish.

Balance (22/25): A delightful, old Tomintoul. This is actually the first Tomintoul I have reviewed here on the blog (well, I did review a peated Tomintoul a couple of years ago).

Score (88/100)

Big thanks to Kjell for the generous sample for my birthday (yeah, I was born in 1969)!

Image from The Whisky Exchange.

Sláinte! - Thomas