Tomatin 8 Years Old 2014 (SMWS 11.49)

Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottled this Tomatin, an 8 year old release from 2014, drawn from cask 11.49 and bottled at 60.4%. A release of 231 bottles. Tomatin, founded in 1897 in the Highland village of the same name, was once Scotland's largest malt distillery. Tomatin malt long fed blends such as The Antiquary and The Talisman.

It was made in copper stills from unpeated barley, for a fruity, mellow make. It was matured in ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and a soft honey. At a youthful age the orchard fruit is lively and the malt soft. Sherry wood suits the soft make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. An old cattle drovers' road ran through Tomatin, and whisky was made here long before the distillery. 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.

At its natural 60.4% it is concentrated. Pear, honey and a malty note, and the refill bourbon lends a quiet vanilla. It is fruity and soft, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gentle. This is a gentle, fruity Highland single malt.