Tomatin 10 Years Old 2012 Romantic Rhine Edition Niederwalddenkmal Rüdesheim am Rhein (Feinkost Reifferscheid)

This is a Tomatin, chosen and bottled by Feinkost Reifferscheid, a 10 year old Highland malt from 2012 and bottled at 56.4%. Only 60 bottles were released. Tomatin is a Highland single malt distilled in the hills south of Inverness, where the distillery was founded in 1897. Tomatin malt long fed blends such as The Antiquary and The Talisman.

It was run through the distillery's onion stills after a long fermentation, to build a fruity, gently spiced character. A virgin oak cask gave bold vanilla, spice and a little coconut. At this age the spirit is fresh and fruity, apple and pear bright. The soft, fruity spirit takes cask character readily across maturation. 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.

At a hearty 56.4% it carries real weight. Orchard fruit and a gentle malt, and the virgin oak gives vanilla, baking spice and a little coconut. A baked apple and a gentle spice lift it. It finishes soft, fruity and clean. This is the softer side of the Highlands.