Description

Tomatin 2010 Discovery Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Gordon & MacPhail (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 43%           Age: No Age Statement (11-12 Years Likely)           Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): NA
Distilled: 2010
Bottled: 2022
Matured In: Ex-Bourbon Casks (as indicated by the “Bourbon” profile of the Discovery range). These casks impart classic vanilla, caramel, and fruity notes

For more than a century, Gordon & MacPhail has been entrusted with new-make spirit from more than 100 Scottish distilleries to mature in their way, using casks made to their exacting specifications. The ‘Distillery Labels’ range is a celebration of these long standing and unique relationships. The history of this range heralds back to their very beginnings – to the days when distillery spirit was produced primarily to be used in blends. Because of the strong working relationships Gordon & MacPhail had with distillery owners, they would bottle and sell the spirit they created as single malt on the condition that they used their ‘house’ label with the caption “bottled by Gordon & MacPhail”.

The “Discovery” range is designed as an introduction to Gordon & MacPhail’s impressive portfolio. It aims to provide an utterly dependable and consistent choice of fine single malt whiskies, grouped by three distinct, bold flavour profiles.

• Sherry (Red): Whiskies primarily matured in sherry casks, offering rich, fruity, and spicy notes.
• Smoky (Grey): Whiskies with a noticeable peat influence.
• Bourbon (Green): Whiskies matured in ex-bourbon casks, known for vanilla, tropical fruit, and lighter oak notes.

This Tomatin bottling, being a Tomatin 2010 at 43% alc/vol, falls under the Bourbon (Green) profile, suggesting a focus on the distillery’s spirit with classic American oak influence.

The Tomatin Distillery is situated in the Highlands of Scotland, near the village of Tomatin, just south of Inverness. It’s located at a relatively high altitude (over 300 meters), which can contribute to a slower, gentler maturation. Founded in 1897, Tomatin had a significant period of expansion in the mid-20th century. By the 1970s, it became for a time the largest malt distillery in Scotland with 23 stills, focusing heavily on supplying whisky for blends. In 1986, it made history as the first Scottish distillery to be wholly owned by a Japanese company, Takara Shuzo, which saved it from closure during a difficult period for the industry. This ownership brought a renewed focus on single malts. Today, Tomatin has downsized its stills (to 12 operational stills) and shifted its focus more towards its single malt expressions. Tomatin is famous for having some of the longest fermentation times in the industry (up to 168 hours or a full week), which is believed to contribute to the whisky’s fruity, especially tropical fruit, and creamy character. While they do produce a lightly peated spirit for their “Cù Bòcan” range one week a year, their core Tomatin range is typically unpeated, highlighting the pure spirit character. Tomatin whiskies are often described as smooth, soft, fruity, and approachable, with notes of apple, pear, vanilla, and honey.

This expression, aged typically for 11-12 years (bottled around 2021-2022), showcases Tomatin’s unpeated spirit matured in ex-bourbon casks, making it a great entry point into the distillery’s style. Non-chill filtered, no artificial colour.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Fragrant and inviting, with bright notes of lemon zest intertwining with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple and hints of desiccated coconut. A subtle background of honeydew melon and vanilla adds to the sweetness.