Tomatin 29 Years Old 1989 Cask #4421 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this Tomatin, aged 29 year old from 1989, drawn from cask 4421 and bottled at 53.2%. 183 bottles in all. Set in the Highland hills south of Inverness, Tomatin has made single malt since 1897. 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. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. At this great age the malt is full and mellow, the fruit deep and the oak soft. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the fruity, malty core over time. 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 a hearty 53.2% it carries real weight. Apple, vanilla and a light spice, and vanilla and a soft oak come from the bourbon wood. Soft orchard fruit and honey sit behind the cask. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is Tomatin's soft, fruity Highland style.