Our March meeting of the Wee Drammers was hosted (virtually) by Dick D. on Tuesday, March 30. A full complement met to sample numbers 98 and 99 as we move into Year 5 of tastings. The challenge of the evening – to determine whether a $52.99 whisky can compete with a $144.99 dram.
The conclusion from Dick – if I like it, it’s good if I don’t like it, it’s not good. Regardless of price. The group concurred!! (Well, sort of.)
First up on this evening was the Tomatin Legacy from Tomatin Distillers, produced in the town of Tomatin, located 25 kilometers from Inverness. Established 1897, under the name of Tomatin Spey Distillery Co Ltd, the distillery has gone through its share of turmoil over time. After occasional bankruptcy and a number of different owners, the company was taken over by Japanese conglomerate Takara Shuzo in 1986 and renamed Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd.
Here’s an interesting tidbit about the distillery: when Tomatin Distillery was established in 1897, the isolated and idyllic setting of Tomatin was almost perfect. However there wasn’t a local workforce; the local inhabitants were scattered shepherds and cattle drovers. The company began a project of construction to accommodate its workforce. Since that time the distillery has been at the heart of the community and the community at the heart of the distillery. This legacy has continued and Tomatin remains one of the few distilleries to provide a home for its dedicated craftsmen.
Tasting notes for Tomatin Legacy read as follows: “Time in Bourbon barrels and Virgin Oak casks brings a light sweetness to The Tomatin Legacy, which boasts aromas of vanilla bean, white chocolate and cinnamon. On the palate gentle waves of fresh fruit peppered with ginger emerge ahead of a light, clean finish.” The group was pleasantly surprised by this whisky and at its low price tag coming in at $52.99 from BCLB.
Our second selection for the evening, priced at $144.99 was Oban Distiller’s Edition.
One of the smallest distilleries in Scotland with just two pot stills, this west Highland whisky has been around since 1794. As is not unusual, the distillery has changed hands numerous times since and is today part of the mega empire Diageo. Regardless, Oban takes pride in being small and “stands on the quality, authenticity and heritage” it represents. As its website attests, Oban continues to maintain a fierce commitment to excellence and tradition
A full rich whisky, the Distillers Edition is matured in Montilla Fino Sherry casks allowing it to develop flavours of butterscotch, toffee and caramel with a finish of sea-salt and smoke. On the nose there are hints of grapes, orange, salt and smoke. The palate offers fruit and “waves of brine”. Coffee and wood are left as a finish.
So, as long as one doesn’t return to the Tomatin at the same sitting, they are left with a favourable impression of both whiskys. The richness of the Oban easily out classes the less expensive brand if a direct comparison is done.
Regardless, as Dick says, if I like it, it’s good; if I don’t it’s not. For our group, both passed Dick’s test. And remember for one bottle of Oban, you can have three of the Tomatin. Or as the saying goes, “a bird in the hand is worth (three) in the bush! 🙂
