Tomatin 1976 35 Year Old Impressive Cask White Label

I remember it as the cheapest bottle of Tomatin from 1976, but it delivers a flavor that lives up to its reputation. Tomatin TOMATIN 1976 35yo Impressive Cask White Label 51.2% The aroma is strongly fruity, with notes of sherry, ripe plums, apricot jam, pineapple, black tea, and pronounced woodiness. On the palate, it starts with a smooth mouthfeel and slight viscosity, carrying a chemical-like syrupy sensation reminiscent of children's medicine. Tropical fruits like pineapple dominate, alongside plum jam, dark chocolate, and a rich jammy sweetness. The woodiness is assertive but pleasant, with a long, rich finish and a touch of astringency. ['Good/Very Good'] This Tomatin 1976, bottled by Wiscky Ee as Impressive Cask White Label, is a 35-year-old cask strength release. After becoming a topic of discussion in the Scotch Malt Circle, Tomatin 1976 was released extensively to the point where I wondered if it would never end. However, I recall that production eventually ceased around this time. At the time of purchase (around ¥14,000), it was surprisingly affordable for a 35-year-old whisky. It perfectly embodies the essence of Tomatin 1976, combining a strong tropical fruitiness with chemical-like notes and the rich, sherry-cask-derived fruits. The sweetness is intense but not harsh, with a long finish that feels rich and flavorful. At the time, it met expectations but left a slightly lingering impression of sherry and woodiness. This time, however, those elements seem more balanced—perhaps a result of aging post-bottling. Interestingly, I had the opportunity to taste Tomatin 1976's official 30-year-old bottling around the same period. Compared to that, Impressive Cask feels slightly rougher and heavier in flavor, while the official bottling showed a refined elegance from carefully selected casks. Both bottles exhibit tropical characteristics, but the difference feels akin to comparing A-grade and B-grade gourmet food. While the official 30-year-old had a more enjoyable drinking experience, it's worth noting that even its 2006 bottling cost over ¥50,000. Considering that, this Impressive Cask is remarkably affordable while retaining similar charm. I believe it would have sold out even if priced ¥5,000 higher. Alongside the Dave Broom-labeled 1976 bottling, I now appreciate how reasonably priced this was. Based on my tasting experience, I'm optimistic about its future development. Having purchased multiple bottles, I look forward to opening them in the coming months.