The Antiquary 35 Years Old (J & W Hardie Ltd.)

The Antiquary 35 Years Old (J & W Hardie Ltd.) is a blended Scotch whisky. The Antiquary is one of the blends in the Tomatin group's portfolio, carrying the soft, fruity Highland character of Tomatin at its core. A blend marries malt and grain whiskies into a balanced, approachable whole.

Grain whisky lends a light frame while the malts, Tomatin among them, bring fruit and depth. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak for a honeyed sweetness. The whiskies are married and rested before bottling. The make is light and fruity, easy to like and easy to drink. Special releases like Decades and Warehouse 6 have marked the distillery's milestones. Cold, clean water runs down to the distillery from the hills above. Under Japanese stewardship the focus turned from sheer volume to quality. The very long fermentation is central to the distillery's fruity character. The distillery sits beside the A9, the old road north to Inverness.

At 46% it is supple and fruity. Soft orchard fruit, honey, vanilla and a gentle spice run through it, easy and mellow. A baked apple and a gentle spice lift it. It finishes soft, fruity and clean. A soft, approachable blended Scotch.