After what has been an unprecedented November, the Wee Drammers bid farewell to a wet and dreary month in a fitting manner. 8 Wee Drammers met at Dick D, to sample yet another two wonderful examples of Scotland’s best. While the weather didn’t dominate the conversation (it never does), it didn’t go unnoticed either. How could it!
Dick’s choices for the evening were the Tullibardine 500 Sherry Finish from the Highlands and the Tomatin 14, also from the Highlands. Both were excellent choices. Both can be purchased at the Hammond Bay Liquor store in Nanaimo; both come it at roughly $100.00.
First up was the Tullibardine 500. Located in Blackford, the “gateway to the Highlands”, this distillery sits on the spot where, since 1488 a brewery has operated. Imagine, King James IV of Scotland sipped a brew at this location! Tullibardine purchased the brewery in 1947 and converted it into a distillery. Since then, it is gained a pedigree good enough to be described by Jim Murray as “one of the true great single malts of Scotland”. After a long time in bourbon casks, the Tullibardine 500 Sherry Finish is recasted into 500 litre sherry butts for further maturation. The result –
- Nose: a Spiced, aromatic nose with notes of dark brown sugar and toffee apples.
- Palate: Cooked fruit, cinnamon and manuka honey. Dates and hints of allspice.
- Finish: Long, creamy finish with butterscotch and ground almonds.
- Overall: A thick, creamy whisky with a spiced, chocolate-y edge.
Dick’s second selection for the evening was the Tomatin 14 Year old. A distillery with an interesting history, it is the first Scotch distillery to be under Japanese control. the 14 year old, is aged in bourbon casks then finished in tawny port pipes. It is a brilliant copper with a rose hue. The nose is fragrant with aromas of toffee, pepper, dried fruit, berry and toasted nuts. The palate is luscious and warming with flavours of fruitcake, cigar, chocolate and red fruit on a long, spicy finish.
Tasting notes conclude:
- Nose: Quite a powerful nose. Big bunches of red berries and grapes. Vanilla, oak and hints of white pepper.
- Palate: Dark chocolate dipped in strawberries. Crushed almonds, walnuts, Victoria sponge (with plenty of the prerequisite jam and cream in the middle) and a centre of oak.
- Finish: Fruity on the finish.
At 46% abv this dram is gentle and enjoyable. And, the Tomatin 14 gets even more interesting with water. A few drops are all that’s needed.
Both whiskies were well received by the group. With a great selection of smoked salmon, cold meats, grapes, wonderful cheeses and of course copious amounts of dark chocolate, the November tasting was another great evening! Well done Dick.
