I always love the idea of afternoon drinks, cos it makes me feel like I'm on holiday. So needless to say I seized the opportunity to attend the Tomatin tasting at 61 Monarchy, one of THE speakeasies I've been wanting to try.
Privileged we were to have with us the Global Brand Ambassador, Scott Adamson, from Scotland, to introduce this fine drop to us.
Tomatin is actually a very old brand, founded in the late 1800s, and is situated at an altitude of 315 meteres above sea level, fed by the waters of the Alt-na-Frith burn. Interestingly, the name Tomatin means "the hill of the Juniper bush" in Gaelic (talk about lost in translation),. The Alt-na-Frith (Free Burn) runs through the Monadhliath Mountains (somehow images of Lord of the Rings and middle earth spring to mind), to help create a rich and mellow Highland Malt.
We start with the Legacy, a NAS I think, which was Highballed, as a welcome drink, but we also got to taste it on its own. 43% ABV, a bourbon and virign oak. This for the layman would be a fabulous easy drinking whisky. 85% full maturation 1st fill ex bourbon and 15% full maturation Virgin Oak.
It has a lovely fragrance about it, almost makes one happy sniffing it. And on the palate, slightly sweetish, easy to drink.
The 12 year old is a winner of several awards, and is matured in traditional Scotch Whisky, ex Bourbon and ex Spanish Sherry casks. On the nose, the aroma is fruity, and a bit nutty.
34% Ex Bourbon, 34% Ex Sherry and 32% refill casks. 43% ABV
On a separate note, it's interesting to hear that 80% of the staff of the distillery live ON SITE. It has evolved into a community by itself, with people committed to the whisky, which provides more than a job, but a way of life. I find this nugget of information particularly heartwarming, and something unique.
The 14 year old, which is my personal favourite, spends its life in Tawny Port casks which have held port for around 50 years. The result, the aromas of berries, toffee, and on the palate light fruits. 46% ABV.
I need to get myself a set of these whisky glasses.
The piece de resistance for the day, the 18 Year old. Matured in traditional oak casks, and first fill Oloroso Sherry butts, this makes for a world class and elegant whisky. There is a distinct sherry refrain that resonates through out, and some would say this is the highlight. It is also non chill filtered, so it might cloud up a bit with ice.
A myriad of aromas and titillation of the palate occurs.
That amber hue of happiness.
Alas, one can only dream about how the 30 and 40 year old must taste like.
Dirstibuted by Drinks Connexion, Tomatin is now available here, and also at 61 Monarchy .
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