David's Whisky Musings No 12
Tomatin | Frapin | Wire Works | Whisky Exchange | The Dalmore
Tomatin
Highland distillery Tomatin has launched a new series of single malts, The Sherry Collection, featuring three unique expressions that celebrate Sherry’s influence on Scotch whisky. This limited-edition collection highlights the distinct characteristics imparted by Manzanilla, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximénez casks.
Sherry casks have been integral to Tomatin’s whisky-making heritage for over a century, with casks sourced from Jerez used to mature their whiskies. With sherry culture experiencing a resurgence, partly fueled by the growing popularity of tapas and evolving consumer tastes, Tomatin has crafted The Sherry Collection to capture this renewed interest.
Tomatin’s team of award-winning blenders has carefully selected three expressions, each aged to showcase its individual character. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and with natural colour, the whiskies in this collection are designed to highlight Tomatin’s dedication to craftsmanship and sherry cask expertise. I had the opportunity to taste them at a press dinner held at Barrafina and then at The Port House in London. Each of the 3 whiskies was served alongside a sherry that represented the cask the whisky had been matured in. It is always fun to do this and pick out the similarities.
The Manzanilla Edition (RRP £65) was distilled in 2014 and finished for two years in Manzanilla butts. The nose opens with warm, honeyed aromas, complemented by the fresh scent of cracked walnuts, juicy nectarine, and a touch of soft vanilla. The palate is luxuriously creamy, revealing lush stone fruit flavours and citrus notes that thankfully lingered for quite some time. We tasted this alongside a Manzanilla Pasada en Rama ‘Hart Bros’ sherry.
The Palo Cortado Edition (RRP £95) has been crafted from whisky distilled in 2008, spending three years finishing in Palo Cortado casks. The nose is savoury and earthy, with a mix of toasted nuts, forest bark, and dark cherry. On the palate, it’s rich and robust, featuring damson plum and layered hints of black cherry that create a memorable depth.
The Pedro Ximénez Edition (RRP £150) stands out with its 17-year maturation, including eight years in PX casks. A bold and aromatic nose, showcasing both fruity and savoury qualities with a touch of almond paste. The palate is delightfully sweet, offering classic fruitcake flavours, chocolate and an inviting blend of warm spices, a true treat!
Scott Adamson, Tomatin’s Blender and Global Brand Ambassador, shares, “The Sherry Collection is a nod to our past and our present; sherry has been widely used in Scotch for decades and Tomatin’s story is no different. However, this collection celebrates our continuous experimentation, craftsmanship, and desire to bring remarkable flavours to our consumers all over the world.”
Frapin
Cognac Frapin has two new releases: the Frapin Millésime 1998 - 25 Years Old and Frapin Trilogie N°1.
Frapin Millésime 1998 - 25 Years Old £182
Crafted from grapes grown in Grande Champagne, Cognac’s most prestigious cru, the Frapin Millésime 1998 has matured for 25 years in Frapin’s humid cellars. The favourable 1998 vintage allowed the grapes to reach remarkable ripeness, resulting in a cognac of extraordinary depth and aromatic balance. It has a wonderfully aromatic nose reminiscent of homemade marmalade, balanced by restrained sweetness. Ripe apricot notes shine alongside a refined nuttiness. The palate mirrors the nose’s elegance, with a full-bodied, silky, and decadent finish that feels truly indulgent.Frapin’s Cellar Master, Patrice Piveteau, describes it as a cognac with exceptional length and the signature Frapin depth of flavour.
Frapin Trilogie N°1 - £275
An exclusive blend of three vintages—1986, 1988, and 1990—the Trilogie N°1 offers a one-of-a-kind cognac experience with only 1,600 bottles produced. Each vintage in this blend contributes its unique characteristics: the 1988 adds finesse and subtle spice, the 1986 brings balance and smoothness, and the 1990 provides structure, giving this 32-year-old blend a layered complexity. Sourced from Grande Champagne’s limestone-rich soils and distilled on the lees. Recently awarded a double gold medal and named Cognac of the Year at the 2023 International Spirits Challenge, Trilogie N°1 has earned accolades for its depth and sophistication.
This beautifully assembled trio of vintages offers a balanced and structured experience. The nose has a medley of apricot and vanilla with hints of damson, creating a layered aroma. The palate is bursting with fruitiness, accented by a gentle spice that evokes tropical warmth, reminiscent of a rum-soaked dessert.
Whisky Exchange
Whisky Exchange "A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas" Whisky, 15-Year-Old, 54.8%
I’m drawn to old-fashioned whiskies, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It has a structured, complex nose with a hearty, meaty profile, as if crafted to pair with a prime roast. Dark, rich fruits abound, adding layers of depth and intrigue.
Wire Works
Wire Works Rum Cask 56.2%
The nose is an explosion of tropical aromas, with pineapple, mango, and papaya giving it an exotic flair. On the palate, this whisky is dry and sophisticated, with the rum cask influence serving more as a seasoning than a dominant flavour. It contributes a background of tropical fruit notes, especially on the finish, where these high, bright flavours linger. This is a beautifully balanced expression that captures the essence of the rum influence without losing its own identity.
Wire Works Caduro Cask 58%
A warm, nutty aroma with hints of rye greets you on the nose, accompanied by a rich backnote of hazelnut and honey. The palate is creamy and decadent, with layers of honey, nuts, and vanilla. I also got a little citrus and toffee. This is a great blend of sweet and nutty flavours, leaving a long, velvety finish that makes it very pleasurable to drink.
The Dalmore
The Dalmore has just introduced the second release in its Cask Curation Series, the Port Edition. This limited-edition collection highlights The Dalmore’s craftsmanship and celebrates its unique partnerships with world-renowned winemakers. This series, curated in collaboration with Portugal’s Symington Family Estates, grants The Dalmore exclusive access to rare Graham’s Port casks, adding an extraordinary layer of depth and character to each whisky.
Only 150 sets of The Dalmore Cask Curation Series Port Edition are available globally, each housed in a bespoke leather-finish travel case handcrafted in Florence. The set includes three ultra-rare Single Malt Scotch Whiskies:
1. The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition 43 Year Old – finished in Graham’s 1952 Single Harvest Tawny Port casks.
2. The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition 30 Year Old – finished in Graham’s 1994 Single Harvest Tawny Port casks.
3. The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition 27 Year Old – finished in Graham’s 1997 Single Harvest Tawny Port casks.
These whiskies embody The Dalmore’s dedication to artistry and innovation, merging the distillery’s expertise with the distinctive qualities of Graham’s rare Port casks. Priced at £35,000, this collector’s set offers a truly luxurious experience for whisky enthusiasts around the world.
