With twelve active stills and an output of around 5 million litres/year Tomatin is one of the largest distilleries in the Highlands. Yet at one point in the 1970s it was the largest distillery in Scotland: founded in 1897, the real expansion at Tomatin took place between 1956 and 1974, during which period the number of stills increased from 2 to 23.
These 23 stills gave the distillery a capacity of 12 million litres – meaning it was (in production terms at least) larger even than Roseisle, Diageo’s new mega-distillery. However, 11 of Tomatin’s stills were dismantled in the 1980s during the whisky crisis which forced the distillery into bankruptcy and liquidation. Enter the Japanese to save the day.
These days, much of Tomatin’s output is sold to other companies for blending, but there is also a range of well-priced single malts, including a 12 yo, 18yo, 25yo and occasional vintage bottlings. Independent releases are occasionally spotted as well. Michael Jackson describes the house style as ‘Malty, spicy, rich. Restorative or after dinner’.
Signature
Cù Bòcan is a mythical hellhound who has stalked the residents of the village of Tomatin for centuries. As a ‘tribute’ to him, Tomatin distillery produced this lightly peated whisky.
Cù Bòcan Signature is a lightly peated expression that has been drawn from a trio of casks; bourbon casks, Oloroso sherry casks and North American virgin oak casks. No chill-filtration or additional colours for this one, just fruit-forward, softly smoky whisky.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Coconuts and cream with some botanic notes, parsley and coriander. The smoke emerges after a minute followed by a mix of lime, grapefruit and tangerines with rich almond and aniseed.
Palate: Initially feather light, followed by a honeyed smoke. The rich spice of cloves, cinnamon and star anise create an enigmatic elegance.
Finish: Light with a hint of sweet smoke.
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