Tomatin 11 Years Old 2008 Cask #453 (Artful Dodger Whisky Collective)

From Artful Dodger Whisky Collective comes this Tomatin, an 11 year old Highland malt from 2008, drawn from cask 453 and bottled at 56.1%. Only 323 bottles were released. Tomatin is a Highland single malt distilled in the hills south of Inverness, where the distillery was founded in 1897. Tomatin malt long fed blends such as The Antiquary and The Talisman.

It was made in copper stills from unpeated barley, for a fruity, mellow make. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. At this age the spirit is fresh and fruity, apple and pear bright. Sherry wood suits the soft make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. The distillery sits beside the A9, the old road north to Inverness. Cu Bocan focuses on unusual cask finishes, from sherry to wine and beyond. Tomatin stands at over three hundred metres, among the highest in the land. An old cattle drovers' road ran through Tomatin, and whisky was made here long before the distillery.

At its natural 56.1% it is concentrated. Pear, honey and a malty note, and the refill bourbon lends a quiet vanilla. The texture is soft and round, the fruit lifted by honey. The finish runs gentle, fruity and mellow. This is a fruity Highland single malt from the Monadhliath hills.