Tomatin Selected Single Cask Bottling 18 Years Old 2005

A distillery bottling of Tomatin, an 18 year old Highland malt from 2005, drawn from cask 40385 and bottled at 55.4%. Only 243 bottles were released. Founded in 1897 high in the Monadhliath hills, Tomatin makes a soft, fruity Highland single malt. By 1974 Tomatin ran twenty three stills and was the largest malt distillery in Scotland.

It was drawn off copper pot stills fed by the burn of the deer, for a soft, apple and pear scented spirit. It was matured in ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and a soft honey. Past a decade the fruit deepens into honey, apple and a soft spice. The cool, high Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation. Under Japanese stewardship the focus turned from sheer volume to quality. The very long fermentation is central to the distillery's fruity character. 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.

Bottled at a cask strength 55.4%, it is rich. A soft, fruity sweetness, and honeyed vanilla comes through from the ex-Bourbon. 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.