Tomatin 12 Years Old 2009 Cask #1835 (Anam na h-Alba)

A Tomatin single malt, selected and bottled by Anam na h-Alba, a 12 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 1835 and bottled at 59.1%. Just 301 bottles were filled. Tomatin, founded in 1897 in the Highland village of the same name, was once Scotland's largest malt distillery. A very long fermentation, among the longest in Scotch, builds the fruity character.

Drawn off copper pot stills fed by the burn of the deer, for a soft, apple and pear scented spirit. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak for a honeyed sweetness. Past a decade the fruit deepens into honey, apple and a soft spice. The cool, high Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation. The Antiquary blend came into the group through the blender J and W Hardie. Malt is bought in, the distillery's own floor maltings having closed in the 1980s. 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.

At 59.1%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. A soft, fruity sweetness, and the bourbon cask adds vanilla and a gentle sweetness. It is fruity and soft, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gentle. This is a soft, approachable Highland malt.