Tomatin 10 Years Old (40%)

An official Tomatin single malt, a 10 year old release and bottled at 40%. Founded in 1897 high in the Monadhliath hills, Tomatin makes a soft, fruity Highland single malt. It was bought in 1986 by Takara Shuzo of Japan, the first Scotch distillery in Japanese hands.

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. At a youthful age the orchard fruit is lively and the malt soft. A patient maturation suits the soft, fruity Tomatin character. For most of its life the distillery rarely ran to its full capacity. 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 an easy 40% it is light. Apple, pear and a soft honey, and honeyed vanilla comes through from the ex-Bourbon. 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.