Tomatin 22 Years Old 1984 Cask Selection (Daily Dram)

This Tomatin was from the independent bottler Daily Dram, a 22 year old from 1984 and bottled at 43%. Tomatin, founded in 1897 in the Highland village of the same name, was once Scotland's largest malt distillery. Today it works twelve stills, having shifted from blend volume to single malt.

The spirit was distilled slowly for the soft, fruity Tomatin make, building the approachable Tomatin style. It was matured in ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and a soft honey. Beyond twenty years the malt grows deep and honeyed, dried fruit and oak spice over orchard fruit. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the fruity, malty core over time. 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.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded. Apple, vanilla and a light spice, and the bourbon cask adds vanilla and a gentle sweetness. Beneath it run apple, pear and a soft spice. It closes soft, fruity and warm. This is Tomatin, the fruity Highland malt.