Tomatin 8 Years Old 2015 Cask #301116 (Finn Thomson)

A Tomatin single malt, selected and bottled by Finn Thomson matured to 8 year old from 2015, drawn from cask 301116 and bottled at 57%. A release of 281 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.

Drawn off copper pot stills fed by the burn of the deer, for a soft, apple and pear scented spirit. A wine cask held it, layering fruit over the fruity malt. Younger here, it keeps a light, fruity freshness over soft honey. The cool, high Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation. The distillery sits beside the A9, the old road north to Inverness. Cu Bocan focuses on unusual cask finishes, from sherry to wine and beyond. Tomatin stands at over three hundred metres, among the highest in the land. An old cattle drovers' road ran through Tomatin, and whisky was made here long before the distillery.

At its natural 57% it is concentrated. A soft, fruity sweetness, and the wine cask lends red berry and a dry spice. 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.