One of the better 18-year-olds? | Tomatin 18 REVIEW

[@isidoro8566]

Hi Geoff, according to Tomatin Distillery the 18yo is aged 15 years in ex-bourbon cask & a 3 year finish in Oloroso Sherry cask. I'm about 2 months in with my 18yo bottle and I must say that it is developing very well, getting deeper and more complex notes. Definitely a dram to be patient with imo. Nice thorough review as always. cheers mate :)

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for the info, Kushi! Glad you're enjoying your bottle. I know 86 isn't exactly a glowing score for an 18 year old, but I do thoroughly enjoy it. Mine's been open for about six months or so. Wonderful stuff!

[@jasoncoates1835]

I've had one special Tomatin... an 11yo single cask at cask strength. That aside I completely agree with you. It doesn't do anything wrong but it doesn't do anything exciting either. It is insanely well-priced in the US market compared to other 18s and for what you pay it's worth every penny.

[@carlmartinlinder]

I agree with you that the 12-y and the Legacy is nothing to write home about but the 18-y for me is fantastic. I have one bottled in 2014 and one bottled in 2020. They are both great but the latter is the best. Tomatin 18 is overlooked. I think it is considerably better than Deanston 18. Anyway nice video as always.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah well we don't have to agree on everything. I've recently picked up the Deanston 18, and I'm still working out where I stand on it. Not a favourite tbh. I appreciate why Tomatin 18 is so popular, just not "my style." Certainly a good, high-quality whisky, though. 🥃

[@carlmartinlinder]

@@Gwhisky Nice! Deanston 18 is certainly good but just not that fantastic as many people say. Did you get the new or old bottling? Same as for Tomatin the newer ones seem to be better. Be careful over there.

[@Gwhisky]

Yes it's a newer one. I wasn't a big fan of the older brown label. I'll agree that the newer one is better. Although, as I said, it’s still not a favourite. Thank you. Its been a stressful day over here. 🥃

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

Funny, I was thinking about buying this whisky two days ago. I enjoyed the 12 but I had to decant twice and always add a lot of water and give it some time; I recently also ordered an independent bottled from Lady of the Glen but have not tasted yet

[@Gwhisky]

That Lady of the Glen could be interesting. I'd love to try an IB from Tomatin. A lot of their stuff comes across very sanitized to me. Might be a cool IB!

[@Nikolay_Nikolov]

Another very high quality review, Geoff. Love the balance between personal insight and objectivity. I have a bottle of Tomatin 18, bottled in 2019, still waiting its turn to be tasted and your feedback is most welcome. I have to admit that I am a bit of a fan of Tomatin's. Not because their whisky blows me away with bold flavors and intrinsic quality, but because of consistency of quality and presentation, coming not from a microscopic, rural, "craft" (or plain hipster :)) distillery, but from the huge industrial complex that Tomatin is. As a matter of fact, I like their base character and as you said when combined with clever cask play the end results can be very nice. I'm struggling to name just one other big capacity distillery that has the integrity to bottle most of their their core range expressions at 46% or higher, non chill filtered and E150a free. All due respect but everything Glenlivet has been churning out for years now has been castrated, supermarket stuff, so we have to celebrate their recent "Original Stories" releases like the Second coming. And they are still colored! Whether the profile of a particular bottling of Tomatin is up to one's taste is a personal matter. But the objectively measurable quality is there when it comes to all their expressions from 14 yo and above plus the limited releases. The Legacy and the 12 yo are obviously aimed at the masses and lower pricing has the priority over craft presentation. Add in the absolute gem of NAS cask strength too, which IMHO is at least on par with the Arran cask strength bottlings and way better than Aberlour A'Bunadh. Both taste and value wise. Last but not least - value. In Bulgaria purchase of Tomatin 18 will set me back roughly 75 euros. Today, for naturally presented 18 yo single malt scotch this is a bargain. The only 18 yo presented at 46% or above that is cheaper is Glen Moray. In fact, many super-market presented 18 yo malts cost more. I don't have idea about Taiwanese market but either you have some stupidly low priced Aultmore 18 and Bowmore 18 or the Tomatin 18 is blatantly overpriced. Over here both Aultmore 18 and Bowmore 18 command prices around 100 euros or more. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah there are of course massive differences in prices between markets, and Taiwan is... atypical when it comes to pricing (thankfully). I agree that it's commendable that Tomatin puts out integrity whiskies. They're not my favourite style, but they're solid and they're fairly priced, which is obviously a big consideration in today's market. I've had three bottles of the Cask Strength. It's good, but I'm not as taken with it as you. Still, that one is a close second to the 18 in the "hierarchy" of Tomatins. I also like the Legacy for what it is - a budget casual sipper. I've not tried the 14 in ages, but I'm curious to come back to it. I hope they keep on track with what they're doing. I'd be very curious to try an IB from them to experience a less sanitized version of the distillate. Cheers!

[@Nikolay_Nikolov]

@@Gwhisky Tomatin Cask strength is by no means the best whisky I have tried but for me it is the NAS cask strength malt with the best price/quality ratio I have tasted so far. Paul John Classic Cask Select and Peated Cask Select are as tasty if not a little more but they are way more expensive. As for the IB Tomatin I've rarery seen any. Right now there is Douglas Laing Old Partucular 10 yo Tomatin available here but the price of almost 60 euros is more I'd be willing to pay. Cheers!

[@EuropaWill]

Thanks for the review Geoff. I'm a big fan of the Dualchas and even the 12 year though like you I prefer the Dualchas. The 12 year is very much a dark raisin and honey bomb so to me it has a strong character. If you love dark raisins that is...I never tried the 18 but based on your review which for the most part says it's delicious and faultless though not challenging, I may at some point since over here it's around $85. Lately I'm reaching far more for the less challenging delicious options.

[@Gwhisky]

If less challenging but delicious is what's working for you right now, then you really can't go wrong with this one, especially if you like their other releases. Amazing price for it!

[@trapperkcmo3460]

you describe my experience with tomatin perfectly.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

You produce a very appealing video Geoff. This one, more than others , was particularly analytical. Very good. Have you reviewed the Glenlivet 18 yet? The Licensed Dram is still nowhere to be found in my area. The news is not good here in the US regarding Taiwan. I hope you can stay as safe as possible. Cheers.

[@Gwhisky]

I haven't reviewed the 18 yet. I stockpiled some 18s from the older label because I LOVED that whisky back when it was 43%. Nowadays, non-US Glenlivet 18 is 40%, which definitely makes me less inclined to buy it. I don't know if the formula has changed for you guys between the old label and the new one, but the old 18 was a gorgeous dram imo. Yeah... trying to keep a level head at the moment. Things are really tense right now. Fingers crossed this situation ends peacefully. Cheers buddy. 🥃

[@edgewalker7459]

This is one of the most forward sherry nuttty raisin whisky’s I have tried , I love it , a slight hotness that drops as the bottle opens up , but it’s very memorable, I’m saying this before I see your review, hope you like it

[@jasonwest9425]

I’m with you. The best Tomatin but not exciting. But I get this for $85 at a grocery nearby so it is great value. There is no 18 year that is close here, so I am quite happy to get this regularly as I like Sherry finishes.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah not mind-blowing, but at $85 I'd have no trouble coming back to this one every now and then. Cheers Jason! 🥃

[@johnzajac9849]

'Tomatin (Scottish Gaelic: Tom Aitinn) is a small village on the River Findhorn in Strathdearn in the Scottish Highlands, about 16 miles (26 km) southeast of the city of Inverness.'

[@justwhisky]

I tried this recently at a bar and agree with your assessment. Nice but not a must buy. Cheers 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks John! Cheers! 🥃

[@Rohit_M]

Great review Geoff. I've had 12 and Legacy and from I remember, 12 was spicy and astringent although both of those are at 43% abv. I haven't looked back at Tomatin in a couple of years but this 18 and 14 year old port finish look promising.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Rohit. Tomtin seems to be growing in popularity a lot recently. It's good whisky, although I've yet to be blown away. The 18 is solid. 🥃

[@langtoun8235]

Great review as always Geoff. Like you I’ve never been blown away by Tomatin releases. Haven’t tried the 18, sounds better than most Tomatin releases although the yeasty note is slightly concerning!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah it's not too "yeasty" (awful-sounding word, btw!). It's really nice stuff, albeit a bit safe. Cheers Lang!

[@maritimeus]

Nice work Geoff! You mentioned it's not your favorite 18 year old. What are some of you other favorite 18 year olds, aside from Bowmore/Aultmore? I've never heard of those girls. My 18 list was pretty lengthy, especially in high school when it made sense to pelvic smash them. Then when I got to college, it was like shooting fish in a barrel. Now that I'm in my 30s, it's just not the same. Where has the time gone?! lol

[@Gwhisky]

Hah! Well my favourite (whisky) 18s would probably be Bunnahabvain and Ledaig 18. Talisker, too. There are a lot, actually. Lol "pelvic smash." 😂

[@grahamgreenwood4234]

Thanks G, great format, regards G

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for watching Graham!

[@egrsok9388]

I've shied away from this whisky because, well, I thought it might be just what you said - plain. Thanks for the review.

[@Gwhisky]

Pleasure Egr!

[@santiagovilla666]

Useful review, thank you. Sounds like a bottle to share with dinner guests that are not whisky nerds. By the way, tomatin in Spanish is literally "little tomato" 😂 Have you tried the Tomatin 21?

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for watching Santiago! I reviewed the "Little Tomato" 12 a few months ago. I wasn't a big fan. Cheers!

[@jockmcallister]

Good review again Geoff- 18yo has been the most popular 18yo on ourshelves over the years. Gosia likes it a lot, I find it hit and miss and more of a miss at the price. 115£ at the distillery!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I do like it, and it's certainly a good one for entertaining guests. Very easy to like. I've never had a guest complain about it. Personally, I like it, but I think there are more characterful options on the market. Still delicious!

[@justinmaizeblue]

Geoff, not a big fan of the tomatin 18. But, was recently in Alberta on vacation and went to 7-8 liquor stores including Kensington wine market. It was pretty much a vast wasteland for interesting Canadian whisky. The only good ones we saw were the very expensive very old Canadian clubs, one Alberta rye cask strength, and finally a JP wiser 35. The Jp wiser came at the end of the trip, or else we would have probably purchased it. We ended up with a shelter point double cask. It was “ok” but like all the younger North American single malts, left a little something to be desired IMO. A little too vegetal and funky. Well stay safe!

[@Gwhisky]

I've never tried a Shelter Point. I keep hearing that Two Brewers and Shelter Point are the ones to look out for, although I can never find them anywhere in Mtl when I go home. The Wiser's 35 is fantastic, although if you can find the 23 Cask Strength I think it's better still. Some amazing stuff coming out of Canada these days, but it's a shame a lot of it is hard to access. Cheers WW!

[@jackthepickledhound]

I went thru a "I only drink 18 year olds" phase, at the same time I joined the "young cask strength cult". The Tomatin CS is a wild ride at the best price. Can't argue for $60. The reality of 46% at @$85 Tomatin and Loch Lomond 18's taste mighty good. I think the tomato needed a little more time in the glass to open up. It is a nice bourbon/ sherry dram with just enough going on to let you know it's not a blend. The LL 12 I thought was a little more interesting than the LL18. For $150+, the whole 18 year scene is hit or miss. I'm not terribly anxious to spend the money to rebuy any except this tomato, if I can find it at the right price, it's closer to $100 now and I don't see the LL at all.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I do love 18 year olds, but they really are hit or miss. You guys seem to have a different set of prices for the Tomatin line in the US & Canada. It's the same price as loads of other 18 year olds here. Without the price advantage, it's far less charming. As far as I'm concerned there are better 18s to be had. LL18 is one I haven't tried, but it seems most people agree with you that the 12 is the standout from their line, so I'm reluctant to pull the trigger.

[@olivierbeltrami]

The Tomatin distillery visitor centre is very nice with very friendly staff.

[@dextercool]

This reminds me - is there any list of 18 year olds in the pipeline?

[@stevengallery5561]

Completely agree, Tomatin 18 is currently £99 in the UK. With Deanston 18 & Ledaig 18 about £20 cheaper it's a no brainer for me unless the Tomatin comes down to a comparable price. 🥃👍

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah it seems it's just the Americans who get this one at a good price. I'd happily buy it for USD $85, but £99 is pushing it!

[@BigChimpEnergy]

I have the opposite problem here in the east US. Tomatin 18 is going for $100, but if I can even find Ledaig 18 it's going for $20 more and Deanston 18 is unobtanium mostly because my state is one of those shitty ABC Commission states so I have to drive out of state to find a wider selection and even there I can't seem to get my hands on it.

[@tombryan1]

Tomatin is underrated, I have some special 25 year olds in wood cases that are just too beautiful to open and drink. When it comes to scotch, I find 18 years is the benchmark for when the whisky becomes memorable, with a few exceptions. Bourbons can be interesting and provide intrigue at 6 to 7 years and moving up, but scotch needs such patience and so much more time, it adds to the mystique. I really enjoy this whisky, but it needs interaction with air, it must be opened and shouldered down, then rested for a few months minimum, longer is better.

[@Gwhisky]

I'm curious to explore more from the brand. I've tried a few and it's been hit or miss, but there's potential there. This one has been open for about 4+ months. It's certainly good, but I seem to be a little less impressed than you. Matter of taste!

[@janteun3]

I got this one olso I got the 14 year old Port wood en I have just ordered the 21 years old tomatin

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

I think it's super, especially for the price. Also, it's less than $90 in NYC, and that's at least $30 less than some of the other bottles you mentioned, so yeah I considered a super value too. Consider revisiting their Cask Strength; I think it's their best bottling.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I believe you've mentioned before that you like this one. I definitely like it, but it's not a love. A big part of that is pricing, though. This is on par with a lot of other 18s in my markets, whereas it seems to be one of the cheapest integrity 18s around in the States. I've had the cs not too long ago. It's good. I'd rank it just behind this one. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@Gwhisky Cheers!

[@EuropaWill]

Geoff, you pulled a lot of flavor notes out of this one during your review. How would you compare it vs Oban 14 ( within $15 of each other)? The Oban 18 is way overpriced here at over 2x the cost of Tomatin 18.

[@Gwhisky]

Absolutely absurd pricing for the Oban. I find the Oban to be better and more suited to my personal taste, but it's shot up in price so much that it simply can't be justified anymore. Until very recently, Oban 14 was only half the price of Tomatin 18 in Taiwan. So if we're factoring in money (which we always should), I'd recommend the Tomatin over Oban for sure.

[@WhiskeyStraightAl]

Great review, as usual Geoff. Not had this one, just the 12 and the Legacy -- and I gotta say, I prefer the Legacy over the 12. Great value. Cheers mate.

[@Gwhisky]

Great minds think alike! The Legacy > 12 for sure! Cheers Big Al.

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, tomatin 18 used to be a great value/ quality whisky. My couple of bottles I did enjoy but now the price is shooting up so tend to walk on by now, good review Geoff, slàinte

[@Gwhisky]

It's still very well-priced in the States, it seems. But elsewhere, it's on par with a lot of other 18-year-olds that I consider to be more interesting. Cheers David!

[@jackthepickledhound]

At $80 this is a fantastic dram but.......there are a few more choices on the shelf for $95.

[@YourEnglishGuy]

Hey Geoff, the Tomatin 18 is for sale at my local whisky shop here in Northern Alberta for about 72 USD, including tax. Do you think that is an agreeable price, sir?

[@Gwhisky]

That's a fantastic price. I'd definitely say go for it! 🥃

[@dextercool]

Sounds wonderful 🥃 😋

[@chaisheng0627]

Tomatin 18 is similar priced to deanston 18 here in New Zealand. That's probabaly why I never end up buying tomatin 18 before.

[@Gwhisky]

I bought the Deston for less here in Taiwan!

[@Pineconeboy55]

That face you made after tasting had me cracking up, are you sure you liked it?

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I just noticed that. Lol

[@lightplays2181]

Tomatin 18 good choice .I try Legacy and i dont like , very "simple" whisky. Cheers !

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers Light!

[@shiningindia6878]

I have An Aberfeldy 12 years old manufactured in 2017 October..it is un opened keep in shelf with in case ..can i still drink it..just becoz it's 5 years old does it become expired by now??

[@Gwhisky]

It should be totally fine. Whisky doesn't usually "go bad" in unopened bottles if they're well sealed and not exposed to sunlight. Go ahead and enjoy!

[@dextercool]

Finally trying this - starts generic but leaving it in the glass, it becomes quite the chameleon - some odd notes come out of nowhere (parsely) and shine intensely before fading back into the mix; later, a totally different note hits you on the nose (custard) and again very intensely. A rich nose and spicy on the palate - not exactly layered but a very wide assortment of notes that pop.

[@Gwhisky]

I like it, but I can't really get behind this one like other people seem to. Glad you're finding some interesting notes in there! 🥃

[@dextercool]

@@Gwhisky just spotted a wee 50ml bottle in a local wine shop so gave it a whirl. Not really a patch on other 18 year olds but not to be dismissed either. Also got a wee bottle of the CS. Some simple but powerful notes. 🥃

[@MMA-ALL-DAY]

What do I want to see you review next? Well, since I'm from Fife and I'm biased I'm going to say Kingsbarns or Lindores. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

I'm trying to track down a bottle of Lindores. Kingsbarns is around, but hard to come by. Trust me, I'm on the lookout!

[@kevinma924]

These are selling for $89 CAD at our liquor superstore

[@Gwhisky]

That's an incredible price for an 18. Definitely worth it! 🥃

[@mingholi5896]

I have tried two bottles if tomatin18 and their profile is quite different, one is more acidic in both nose and palette than other one, dont know if its batch diff or result of diff storage condition

[@Gwhisky]

Hard to say. Mine is quite sweet and rounded with very little acidity. Maybe a batch thing?

[@BanjoSick]

Love me some yeastiness. I like giving non-Whisky people Tomatin and always get a "Wow, that is actually nice!" from them.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah... yeah it's a crowd-pleaser. Easy to like for sure.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I get some of the criticism here, but it is easily a 1/3 less than any other 18-year-old out here. So, I really compare it to 15-year-olds out here. I like this. Thanks for your thoughts. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah this seems to be the go-to budget 18-year-old in North America. In most of Europe and Asia we're far less fortunate. About the standard price for an 18 here in Taiwan. Cheers!

[@megargento]

Fucking great malt

[@ADSCP]

Ever tried the older and newer Glenlivet 18?

[@Gwhisky]

I've got the older one on the go. I've yet to buy the newer one. Hard to pull the trigger on a 40% 18 year old! 🥃

[@SaltyCuban]

Geoff , I can no longer afford $100 on forgettable bottles . However, I’ll take your word on it and simply avoid. Thanks for the video. It was at one time on my to get list back when the 18 in the old black and red label was making its presence known. I never got it and now it seems unlikely.

[@Gwhisky]

Just my opinion, this one does have its fans. But yeah, there's better ways to spend $100 imo. Cheers Salty!

[@SaltyCuban]

@@Gwhisky I’ve been in a bit of a buying rut lately. Got $200 to spend and I haven’t decided what to throw it at yet. I’ve wanted to get a Benrinnes 15 but have not found it in stock online. Found a rare one last week on a trip to Virginia: Springbank 12. $200. Last time I bought it for less than half that. I think not. 🤨 It’s certainly good but you have to draw the line somewhere I guess. I’m done spending that much on single bottles. At least for the time being.

[@Gwhisky]

@@SaltyCuban Totally understandable. I've got a bottle of SB12 that I regret opening just because it's shot up in price so much now. Of course, I buy whisky to drink and it's an amazing dram, but damn I could have like tripled my money there. Hah. But yeah, the price hikes lately are taking their toll on people's wallets. I've got to rein it in myself.

[@SaltyCuban]

@@Gwhisky well My regret is not drinking more of the one that I have open I’ve had it open now for maybe two years and it’s 3/4 full. Plus I have another one sealed and at these prices I probably won’t be getting another one.

[@pugamusmaximus]

WHEN YOURE ON SHROOMS THE BOTTLE LOOKS LIKE ITS MELTING LIKE IT WAS PLACED ON A EXTREMELY HOT SURFACE. ACTUALLY ONE OF MY FAVES TO STARE AT LOL

[@Gwhisky]

Lol good to know. 😂

[@catnapgee5357]

Nothin' like a tasty 18 year old! 🙂

[@Gwhisky]

Careful now... 😉

[@vimalrajkappil]

Prior to make any comments on wishky ..let me ask you how are you there bro.. Everything ok there??

[@Gwhisky]

I appreciate the concern, Vimal. Things are... tense. We're all on edge over here. 😬

[@vimalrajkappil]

@@Gwhisky keep safe ❤️

[@ironmantran]

. . . uh . . . hum .. . . ahh . . . let me see . . . it reads "the lighter side of highlands" . . . so. . . . MANY THANKS G.W ! ! (178$ / ontario = triple the price of the 12 ! ! !)

[@Gwhisky]

Oof. Hard pass at CAD $178! Hah.

[@DileepB]

$130 in Washington state.

[@Gwhisky]

That's steep. Other states have it for like $85, apparently.

[@groberti]

hehh, I actually call it Tomatino :D

[@Gwhisky]

😂

[@groberti]

@@Gwhisky I forgot the hand gesture 🤌🤌

[@بروبرو-ظ1ي]

🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾

[@robertpoldervaart9552]

Wow, i think this one of the worst 18y i have tried.