Whisky Review: The Last Drop 55-Year-Old Tomintoul Single Malt

Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whiskey from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way.

The Last Drop Distillers, founded by spirits industry icons Tom Jago and James Espey in 2008 and later led by Tom and James’ daughters, Rebecca Jago and Beanie Geraedts-Espey, who joined in 2014, has long been on a mission to find super rare spirits across different categories they can bring into the light of day. These offerings, which to date have included just 36 very exclusive expressions, are known for being extremely high quality and commanding top dollar.

In 2016, The Last Drop was acquired by The Sazerac Company, and Rebecca continues to lead It as Managing Director. Some months ago, three new offerings for 2024 were unveiled, including 40- and 55-year-old Scotch single malts and a 22-year-old “infinity” rum blend.

What’s in the bottle

The Last Drop expression being reviewed here, The Last Drop 55-Year-Old Tomintoul Single Malt, is this brand’s oldest single malt to date. It was distilled in November 1968, when the Speyside-based Tomintoul Distillery was less than five years old. Founded by Glasgow whisky traders Hey & Macleod and W. & S. Strong, it was originally equipped with just one wash still and one spirit still.

The whiskey that was distilled was filled into two butts and four hogsheads. What was leftover after aging more than 53 years in six oak casks was, in March 2022, married into an Amoroso butt for a further 20 months, resulting in just 582 bottles being released.

Bottled at 41.7% ABV, The Last Drop 55-Year-Old Tomintoul Single Malt was priced at $8,300 when released.