Tomatin 10 Years Old 2008 Cask #DL 13774 (Old Particular)

Douglas Laing bottled this Tomatin matured to 10 year old from 2008, drawn from cask DL 13774 and bottled at 48.4%. A release of 384 bottles. Founded in 1897 high in the Monadhliath hills, Tomatin makes a soft, fruity Highland single malt. 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. Younger here, it keeps a light, fruity freshness over soft honey. Sherry wood suits the soft make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. 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.

At 48.4%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Pear, honey and a malty note, and vanilla and a soft oak come from the bourbon wood. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a mellow body. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is a gentle, fruity Highland single malt.