Five New Whiskies From Scotland's Tomatin
Tomatin, a Highlands whisky distillery with operations dating back to the 19th century, is not one of Scotland's higher profile distilleries, but what it has lacked in marketing it is increasingly making up for in the blending house.Tomatin, located in the Monadhliath Mountains just south of Inverness, is also one of the highest distilleries in Scotland at 315 meters above sea level, has released several new expressions recently that bear examining and tasting.
Tomatin, 18 year old: $60
This is a new expression of the distillery's 18-year old, bottled at higher alcohol level than its predecessors. Taste notes: toffee, maple, dates, toasted walnuts, very ripe fruit, cocoa.
Tomatin, 15 Year Old: $46
Aged conventionally in American Bourbon casks, the flavor profile is round and constant with peaches, citrus and vanilla shining through. It's a fairly gentle taste and finish, and I'd recommend it without water, but also as an interesting mixer, especially with apple spirits and a mint garnish.
The distillery has also bottled two new single-cask expressions and one limited edition.
Tomatin, 21-year Old: $68The limited edition 21 year old bottling which was created using 7 casks, 6 of which were re fill American oak casks and the 7th an ex sherry butt. Again bottled at casks strength – 52% abv – and limited to a release of just 2400 bottles which will be made available in selected markets throughout the world including the United Kingdom.
Tomatin Single-Cask, 1997: Price NA
The first of the single casks was distilled in September 1997 and matured in a first fill bourbon barrel for over 12 years and bottled at cask strength - 57.1% abv. Only 244 bottles are available and will be sold in a limited number of western European markets as well as Japan.
Tomatin Single-Cask 1999 Price NA
The second Single cask was distilled in January 1999 and matured initially in a re fill American oak cask before being transferred into a European oak cask that was used to mature temperanillo wine. After spending over 2 year in the wine cask it was bottled at cask strength - 57.1% abv. Only 302 bottles are available and again they will be sold in a limited number of Western European markets as well as Japan.
