The World’s Best Single Malt Scotch —According To The Scotch Whisky Masters

In June, a panel of professional UK-based scotch sippers convened—digitally—to parse through hundreds of examples of their native whisky. A total of 52 medals were doled out across more than two dozen subcategories; everything from non-age-statement blends to Islay malts over 31 years in age. But only one ‘Taste Master’ distinction was awarded in this year’s competition. And it went to a 25-year-old bottle of Tomintoul single malt from the Speyside region of Scotland.

Amazingly, more than two months later, that particular bottling still flies under the radar here in the US. As does the distillery that produces it. Let’s take a look at what make both so deserving of praise.

Built in 1964, Tomintoul lacks the historic lineage that benefits its neighboring distilleries. For example, some 11 miles up the road from the eponymous town you’ll find The Glenlivet—a full 140 years its senior—and producer of the most widely consumed single malt in the US. And while the facility isn’t aesthetically romantic by any stretch, it houses a pair each of perfectly pleasing wash stills and spirits stills; workhorses that combine to crank out some 3.3 million liters of distillate per year.

This liquid has serious character, the base for spirit which, once matured, the brand eventually markets as ‘the gentle dram.’ But it’s more than just lip service: this is beautifully balanced juice, subdued but never uninteresting. Which is probably why it’s no stranger to prestigious recognition. Jim Murray, author of the annual tasting tome known as The Whisky Bible had this to say about the 14-year-old flagship:

“Just how many variations on a honeyed theme can you get? Here I count at least five, each wave coming in after the other; medium length but sheer quality all the way. Bird’s custard mixing dreamily with drier, playfully spiced, oaky vanillas… not a single weakness. Just magnificent whisky bottled the way it is meant to be.”

Wow. This is nothing short of effusive praise. Particularly noteworthy in that he’s describing a scotch that can be found Stateside at just under $50 a bottle. The joy of the brand—understated elegance—is something that perhaps doesn’t seem to be celebrated by many of today’s drinkers who are into loud flavors, whether they be from the barrel or from the level of smoke in the malt.

Tomintoul 25 is more symphony than Spinal Tap. The panelists for the Scotch Whisky Masters discerned elements of coconut, marzipan, allspice, gentle malt and gingerbread. These all tug for attention on the palate, but none are tempestuous enough to dominate the tasting experience. Instead, they all intermesh to form a compelling tapestry; a chorus that can be contemplated for more than a fleeting moment in a protracted finish.

Every time this bottle collects another piece of flair, you can expect its price on the shelf to inflate. As of now you can still find it relatively easily for around $440. It’s not the cheapest 25-year-old scotch you’ll see in stores. But it’s by no means the most bloated. Either way, it’s not going down in price from here. So if you’re eager to see what all the fuss is about, make your move post haste. If $440 is too steep, then dip your toe in with either the 14 or 16-year-old expressions. Both are great indicators of the house style. And if you value yourself a scotch enthusiast, it’s a style that should certainly be represented in your own house.