During the almost two decades I've been writing about alcohol, I've spent a lot of time in Scotland. I have visited countless famous Scotch whiskey distilleries, from the Lowlands to the Highlands, Islay and everywhere in between.
During this time, I have lost count of the number of drams of fine, award-winning whiskeys I have been lucky enough to taste. With all these examples, I can understand the appeal of well-known brands such as Lagavulin, The Glenlivet and The Macallan, especially the latter.
There's no doubting the appeal of The Macallan. One of the most famous Scotch whiskey brands, known for its flavoursome, balanced and complex single malt whiskies, often matured or finished in sherry-sweetened casks. I have several bottles in my home bar, including the extremely popular The Macallan 12-Year Double Cask.
This unforgettable single malt whiskey gets its name because it is matured in American and European oak sherry-seasoned barrels. You can't go wrong with a dram of this wonderfully balanced sipping whiskey, with notes of candied orange peel, sweet sherry, chocolate, oak and mellow spices, but it'll set you back almost $80.
But as great as The Macallan 12 Double Cask is, there are other outstanding sherry-centered single malt whiskeys you can add to your home bar for half the price. If you've never tried Tomatin 12 Bourbon and Sherry Cask, now is the time to pick up this epic bottle, you can still find it for under $50.
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Although it has the same age statement as The Macallan 12 Double Cask, Tomatin 12 Bourbon and Sherry Cask are aged differently. This single malt whiskey is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and sherry casks sourced from Jalisco, Spain, rather than American and European sherry-seasoned barrels.
The complex single malt whiskey is known for its nose of orchard fruit, dried fruit, cinnamon, dark chocolate, sticky toffee pudding, heather and oak. As you sip, notes of candied orange peels, oak, dried fruits and soft winter spices emerge. The finish is a blend of tropical fruits, citrus peels and charred oak.
Tomatin 12 Bourbon and Sherry Cask is the type of single malt whiskey you'll want to add to your home bar to sip neat or with a splash or two of water to open up the aromas and flavors. But since it's cheap, you won't hesitate to use it as the base of your favorite cocktails. Flavors work well in versions of classic Scotch and soda, rusty nail and Manhattan, or old-fashioned Scotch.
I'm not here to tell you that now Negative To drink The Macallan 12 Double Cask, any expression from The Macallan or other famous sherry finished malts. Know that there are cheaper but equally noteworthy single malt whiskeys waiting to be discovered.
I love Tomatin 12 Bourbon and Sherry Cask. Even though it's affordable, that's not why I love it. Single malt whiskey is as versatile as Scotch whiskeys. This is an everyday sipper, a rainy day mixer, and everything in between. Once purchased it will remain a permanent member of your liquor cabinet or home bar cart. Go out and buy a bottle today. Open it up and pour yourself some drama. If you love sherry or bourbon matured Scotch whiskey, you'll be glad you purchased a bottle of this unforgettable expression.
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