Tomatin 9 Years Old 2015 (SMWS 11.52)

This is a Tomatin, chosen and bottled by Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a 9 year old from 2015, drawn from cask 11.52 and bottled at 61.8%. Set in the Highland hills south of Inverness, Tomatin has made single malt since 1897. 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. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Still young, the malt is fruity and mellow with a gentle spice. Refill oak lets the fruity Tomatin character lead, apple over honey. 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. Special releases like Decades and Warehouse 6 have marked the distillery's milestones.

Undiluted at 61.8%, it is layered. A mellow, fruity character, and honeyed vanilla comes through from the ex-Bourbon. Beneath it run apple, pear and a soft spice. It closes soft, fruity and warm. This is the softer side of the Highlands.