Tomatin 10 Years Old 2014 Cask #3713 (G&M)

Gordon & MacPhail selected this Tomatin, aged 10 year old from 2014, drawn from cask 3713 and bottled at 57%. 138 bottles in all. Set in the Highland hills south of Inverness, Tomatin has made single malt since 1897. The distillery was founded in 1897 by a local company, taking its name from the village, Gaelic for hill of the juniper.

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. Younger here, it keeps a light, fruity freshness over soft honey. Years in oak round the spirit, the orchard fruit deepening with age. 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.

Undiluted at 57%, it is layered. Apple, pear and a soft honey, and vanilla and a soft oak come from the bourbon wood. 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.