Tomatin 13 Years Old 2001 Cask #545-26-1 (Barrique)

Single malt Tomatin, an independent Barrique bottling matured to 13 year old from 2001, drawn from cask 545-26-1 and bottled at 43%. A release of 311 bottles. Founded in 1897 high in the Monadhliath hills, Tomatin makes a soft, fruity Highland single malt. Cu Bocan takes its name from a spectral hound said to haunt the Tomatin hills.

Worked through onion stills for a light, fruity spirit, for the soft, fruity Highland make Tomatin is known for. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanilla beneath the orchard fruit. Around the mid teens the malt gains a fuller honey and ripe fruit. Refill oak lets the fruity Tomatin character lead, apple over honey. The arrival of the Highland Railway in the 1890s made the distillery possible. It closed in 1906 and reopened in 1909, finding its feet over the following decades. 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.

At an easy 43% it is light. A mellow, fruity character, and the oak lends vanilla and a soft sweetness. It is gentle and fruity, the soft spirit shining through. A fruity, lightly spiced finish lingers. This is the soft, fruity Highland malt of Tomatin.