[December, 2017]  From time to time I try a miniature of a standard bottling simply to remember that taste and use it as a reference for all these fancy old and new special releases.  ...and not to get trapped in a self-fulfilling "decadence" prophecy (when drinking very high rated and usually extremely expensive drams only).  The 16-year old Tomintoul is such a classic dram with a great consistent quality over time - this miniature was bottled on April 28th, 2014.  The colour is old gold and the texture shows medium fast legs and late sticky tears.  The nose is fruity (green apples and some exotic fruits) and barley sugary sweet with some hints of OBF (obviously they added some older casks to that batch).  Not spectacular but really nice.  It arrives warming and a little coating on the palate with some minor bitter moments from heavier tannins (another indication of some older casks).  The taste is soft and delicate just as their slogan "The gentle dram".  It offers nice nutty flavours (chestnuts, hazelnuts, almonds), some herbs and a pinch of salt in addition to the strong barley sugars and firm wooden notes.  I like that.  The finish is of medium length and very creamy.  Again a slight bitterness from heavy tannins at the very end.  Water is not needed, as expected.

Yep, this is still a good quality standard dram that is easy to sip without any spikes, highlights or flaws.  So it is a typical 85-87 points score in my system...

Nose: The citrus note is somewhat more restrained here than with the 10. Sweet maltiness is clearly noticeable, hints of honey. A sweet orange note reminds me of orangat. The Tomintoul 16 looks soft, fruity and very appealing on the nose. Vanilla envelops the baking ingredients. With a little patience, hazelnut appears. Pear and bright, sweet apple complete the fragrance. The nose starts reticent, interwoven, but offers some discoveries and develops visually (smelling). A delicate smell of coffee resonates and sends a greeting from the oak to the sensory cells.

Palate: The 16-year-old Tomintoul presents itself on the palate as very soft, mild and creamy. The oak is more present than with his younger brother. Spices are getting stronger. Mild roasted aromas sweep across an herb garden. It becomes increasingly drier with subtle sweetness.

Finish: With a slightly bitter herb, black coffee and dark chocolate, the finish is medium. Despite the clearer oak and increasing drought, it remains mild and true to its nickname.

Conclusion: an upgrade to the 10 series, nice, easy, without conjuring up the total rapture. But looks more complex and oak-emphasized. Less citrus but more fruity and malty than the Tomintoul 10.