Tomatin 25 Years Old 1993 Cask #DL 12783 (XOP)

Douglas Laing selected this Tomatin, aged 25 year old from 1993, drawn from cask DL 12783 and bottled at 60.2%. The outturn was 315 bottles. Set in the Highland hills south of Inverness, Tomatin has made single malt since 1897. A very long fermentation, among the longest in Scotch, builds the fruity character.

Drawn off copper pot stills fed by the burn of the deer, for a soft, apple and pear scented spirit. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak for a honeyed sweetness. Past twenty years the spirit turns honeyed and full while staying soft. The cool, high Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation. An old cattle drovers' road ran through Tomatin, and whisky was made here long before the distillery. The arrival of the Highland Railway in the 1890s made the distillery possible. It closed in 1906 and reopened in 1909, finding its feet over the following decades. The Antiquary blend came into the group through the blender J and W Hardie.

At a natural 60.2% it is full and fruity. A soft, fruity sweetness, and ex-Bourbon oak gives vanilla and a light apple. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. Apple, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a mellow Highland single malt from near Inverness.