An independent bottling from Highland distillery, Tomatin.

Distilled in 1966 and bottled at an impressive 45 years old for The Whisky Agency in Germany, and The Nectar in Belgium.

One of 391 bottles drawn from a single sherry butt.

Colour: deep gold. Nose: nope, there’s no extravagant fruitiness at first sniffs, maybe because of the sherry, or maybe because it’s very old Tomatin. But don’t get me wrong, it’s still a complex whisky, it’s simply more on leather and tobacco at first nosing, then on old herbs liqueurs (yes, yellow Chartreuse), putty, thuja wood, cigar box and a little beef (dried). Keywords ‘polished wood’. Mouth: more fruits and a straighter oakiness as well, a tad biting and bitter. More herbal liqueur (Jägermeister – I know, no brand names!) white pepper and cinnamon, then more fruits indeed, such as kumquats and figs, as well as a little mint. Finish: long, more oaky and bitter. Comments: we’re close to the limits as far as oakiness is concerned but it’s still very drinkable, provided you’re not against herbal liqueurs. Excellent anyway but what’s sure is that it’s not the expected fruit bomb.