Tomatin French Collection – Monbazillac Casks 12 Years Old 2008

This Tomatin, an official release matured to 12 year old from 2008 and bottled at 46%. Just 6000 bottles were filled. Founded in 1897 high in the Monadhliath hills, Tomatin makes a soft, fruity Highland single malt. The distillery was founded in 1897 by a local company, taking its name from the village, Gaelic for hill of the juniper.

The spirit was distilled slowly for the soft, fruity Tomatin make, building the approachable Tomatin style. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak for a honeyed sweetness. By this age the soft spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a gentle oak. 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.

At 46% it is gentle, fruity and mellow. Apple, vanilla and a light spice, and ex-Bourbon oak gives vanilla and a light apple. Beneath it run apple, pear and a soft spice. It closes soft, fruity and warm. This is Tomatin, the fruity Highland malt.