WeeDrammers Welcome fall

7 Weedrammers gathered at Tony’s on September 30, our first Fall tasting for 2025.  The evening started off remembering Bo H.  Many fond memories were shared and a toast was offered in his memory. Bo will be missed.

Tony presented another two drams (numbers 197 and 198 on our quest) both Highland Drams, both delightful!

First up was the Tomatin 12 Yr Bourbon & Sherry Casks.  Tomatin produces Highland whisky from their facilities in the Village of Tomatin, Inverness-shire in Scotland – about 25 minutes south of Inverness.  The distillery was originally founded in 1897 under the name Tomatin Spey District Distillery Co. Ltd.  The name “Tomatin” comes from Gaelic meaning “Hill of Jupiter.  The distillery, like many in Scotland has experienced the economic ebbs and lows characteristic of the business. From bankruptcy in 1906, a reopening in 1909 and numerous expansions (and contractions), the distillery operates today with 12 stills and a focus on single malts rather than blends.  It’s current owner, Shuzo, a Japanese corporation, has been in place since 1986.

The 12-year old single malt from Tomatin is matured in a combination of ex‑Bourbon barrels and Sherry casks. It is typically bottled at 43% abv. One can expect sweet malts, fruits like apples and pears, some vanilla and nuts (almonds and hazelnuts in particular)

Tasting Notes:

• On the Nose – expect sherry influenced dried fruits, raisins and occasional citrus zest as well as oak and mild malt notes/
• On the Palate – The Tomatin 12 is viewed as approachable. It is described using terms including sweet, fruity, hints of vanilla and oak and some nuttiness. Sherry notes show mostly in the sweetness + fruit side rather than heavy spice
• Finish – Medium to moderately long; tends to warm with lingering sweet oak, soft sherry fruit, and some spice.

Tomatin 12 is often described “a solid whisky for the price. If you’re looking for something sherried but not overwhelming, this is a great choice. It’s often praised as an “above average scotch and is seen as a great value.”  Pleasantly easy‑drinking.

For the Weedrammers, the Tomatin 12 was well received.

It is available from Hammond Bay Liquour at a price of $105.00

Tony’s 2^nd choice for evening was Glengoyne 15 Year Old, Founded in 1833, Glengoyne Distiller can be found in Dumgoyne, near Glasglow.  While it is technically a Highland whisky, it does border on the Lowlands.  Interestingly, the distillery buildings are located in the Highlands, but the maturation warehouses are just across the road in the Lowlands.

Glengoyne is noted for unpeated whisky, slow distillation and sherry cask maturation. Glengoyne whisky is “respected among whisky drinkers for its consistency, craftsmanship, and transparency. It doesn’t chase trends like heavy peat or rapid innovation — instead, it focuses on time-honored methods and slow, deliberate whisky making.”

It’s often described as a “whisky lover’s whisky” — refined, subtle, and rewarding to sip thoughtfully.

Glengoyne 15 year old comes in a 43% abv. And uses a mix of first-fill sherry, refill sherry, and bourbon casks.

• On the Nose: – Clean, elegant, and fruit-forward. You’re immediately greeted by green apples, pear drops, and a touch of lemon zest, underpinned by a soft toffee sweetness and light oak spice. As it opens, hints of almonds, dried fruit, and vanilla emerge—very well-balanced and inviting.
• On the Palate – Glengoyne 15 is Smooth and layered. The fruity notes from the nose carry over—baked apples, apricots, and sultanas—joined by a gentle oak spice, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey. The sherry influence is subtle but present, adding a richness without overwhelming the fruitiness. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a nice oiliness.
• Finish – Medium to long. Warming spices linger with soft tannins, dried fruits, and a touch of dark chocolate or coffee grounds. There’s a clean, almost refreshing finish that invites another sip.

The Glengoyne 15 Year Old is “a beautifully balanced whisky that showcases the distillery’s unpeated, slow-distilled style. It’s a standout for those who enjoy sherried whisky but prefer nuance over intensity.”

The WeeDrammers found this dram a joy!  It can be found at Hammond Bay Liquour and is priced at $165.00

As is the custom at our get-togethers, an array of appetizers accompanied the whisky. Sausage, lox and cream cheese, an array of cheeses with crackers, grapes, pastries and of course, dark chocolate were among the appies.
Thanks goes to Tony for another great evening.