We’ve seen a lot of Tomintoul 1967-1968 in the last few years, but only one or two Tomintoul 1972’s that I can think of: the Perfect Dram and one in the Private Collection by Gordon & MacPhail, with a ridiculous price.
This one is part of the new releases by Maltbarn. Only available from Maltbarn directly or Whiskybase in the Netherlands, there is no more importer for Belgium.
Tomintoul 40 yo 1972
(48,5%, Maltbarn 2012, bourbon cask, 47 btl.)
Tomintoul 40 yo 1972Nose: like most old Tomintouls, very subtle. Fresh lemony notes, waxed oak and hints of floral honey. Underneath are warm fruity notes, say whitecurrant and dried banana. Hints of buttercups and light mint. Very good but soft.
Mouth: nice fruits at first. Melon, orange sweets, lime and quinces. Almond notes. Apple pastry. Sweeter than expected actually. Nice Mānuka honey. The oak slowly appears, but the amount of nutmeg and liquorice is well controlled. Soft herbal touches in the end.
Finish: medium long, minty and spicy. Still lots of honeyed notes.
This is a nice Tomintoul, a little fuller and sweeter than most of the other oldies. Highly drinkable – good selection. Around € 220.
Score: 89/100