Tomatin 32 Years Old 1989 Cask #4226 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Gordon & MacPhail selected this Tomatin, a 32 year old from 1989, drawn from cask 4226 and bottled at 54.5%. A release of 217 bottles. Tomatin, founded in 1897 in the Highland village of the same name, was once Scotland's largest malt distillery. It was bought in 1986 by Takara Shuzo of Japan, the first Scotch distillery in Japanese hands.

Drawn off copper pot stills fed by the burn of the deer, for a soft, apple and pear scented spirit. It was matured in ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and a soft honey. Very old Tomatin turns soft and profound, the fruit deep and the oak polished. The cool, high Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation. The Antiquary blend came into the group through the blender J and W Hardie. Malt is bought in, the distillery's own floor maltings having closed in the 1980s. For most of its life the distillery rarely ran to its full capacity.

At 54.5%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. A soft, fruity sweetness, and the bourbon cask adds vanilla and a gentle sweetness. 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.