Tomatin Germany – Second Edition 13 Years Old 2004

An official Tomatin single malt, a 13 year old from 2004, drawn from cask 35478 and bottled at 57.9%. Just 670 bottles were filled. 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.

Distilled from unpeated malt in copper stills on Allt na Frithe water, giving the light, mellow spirit at its heart. A sherry cask wrapped the soft spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Around the mid teens the malt gains a fuller honey and ripe fruit. A patient maturation suits the soft, fruity Tomatin character. 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. Malt is bought in, the distillery's own floor maltings having closed in the 1980s.

At a full 57.9% it is bold yet fruity. Apple, pear and a soft honey, and raisin and a nutty sherry depth build. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a mellow body. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is a gentle, fruity Highland single malt.