Tomatin 10 Years Old 2008 (Discovery)

Gordon & MacPhail bottled this Tomatin, a 10 year old from 2008 and bottled at 43%. Tomatin, founded in 1897 in the Highland village of the same name, was once Scotland's largest malt distillery. Today it works twelve stills, having shifted from blend volume to single malt.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated malt in copper stills on Allt na Frithe water, giving the light, mellow spirit at its heart. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Still young, the malt is fruity and mellow with a gentle spice. A patient maturation suits the soft, fruity Tomatin character. 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 an approachable 43% it is soft and balanced. Apple, pear and a soft honey, 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.