Scotch Review: Tomatin Dualchas
Since the beginning of my journey into the single malt Scotch world in 2013, Tomatin has been a favorite value brand for me. Tomatin Dualchas represents the brand’s first no age statement scotch, and another huge win for the company. At about $30 per bottle, this scotch deserves a spot (or two) on your whisky shelf.
Cask Type: Matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Virgin Oak casks
Strength: 43% alc./vol.
Nose
The nose is deep, a bit fruity, with touches of vanilla and spice.
Palate
Although this scotch isn’t peaty, it is a bit of a flavor bomb. On one side are the woody notes brought out by aging in ex bourbon and virgin oak casks. On the other are bright citrus notes of lemon and a touch of pine. A really delightful combination.
Finish
The finish for Tomatin Dualchas is simultaneous long and sweet while also being light and refreshing.
Conclusion
As mentioned, this scotch is well worth the price. I’m a huge fan of Tomatin 12, 15 and 18 year (also wonderfully priced), so those could be worth looking in to as well.
November 23, 2015 @ 12:08 am
I remember a good year and a half ago the bottles sent to the U.S. had to be relabeled “Dualchas” from “Legacy” as the word “Legacy” was already under copyright protection by another Whiskey Distillery—–I thought I heard it was Jim Beam but not really sure…..
Yes the Dualchas is a STEAL for it’s price….. Particularly since I only pay TWENTY DOLLARS for a bottle…. I also can get the 12 year at around $24.00 a bottle… DELICIOUS stuff…. I taste all of the notes you mentioned—–although I did experience a bit of dark chocolate in the lovely mild bitter bite from the virgin oak. Did you know the bourbon barrels used to finish this stuff come from the Maker’s Mark Whisky Distillery in Kentucky??? It make sense when I discovered this as I also love Maker’s Mark Bourbon and I swear on Christ as my Savior I can TASTE the opening notes of Maker’s Mark in Tomatin Dualchas……..
Nice reviews and I look forward to tasting the 15 and 18 sometime soon!!
April 6, 2018 @ 7:15 pm
Hands down, the finest $20 bottle of single-malt available in the U.S. Most bottles that cost nearly three times as much don’t even come close to the pleasant experience of the ‘Dualchas’. Very light attack, very smooth and delicious finish. The flavors are surprising. It tastes like a $50 bottle of scotch.
I did not know about the ‘Legacy’ vs. ‘Dualchas’ naming issue until now. Interesting how that all works.