Tomatin 18 Year Old

Tomatin was once a massive distillery. In 1974, at the peak of its output, it was the largest distillery in Scotland with 23—yes, that figure is 23—stills producing 12 million litres. Today, it has 11 fewer stills than in 1974 and produces only about 2.5 million litres. Save for quietly releasing a few expressions and for being the first Japanese-owned Scottish distillery, Tomatin is a little known name.

The standard Tomatin range runs from 12 to 40 years old; there are also vintage and single cask expressions, as well as a peated 4 year-old available only in Japan. Here, I review the 18 year-old (black label), finished in Oloroso casks.

The nose is an integration of sweet and spicy notes. Floral with a touch of smoke, malt, raspberry jam, chilis, salt, and fruit—especially melon, pineapple, and tart strawberry. There are also hints of creme brulée.

The palate is alternately fruity and spicy, with rising smoke. The finish turns boldly on peaches and rose petals, near to a nice summer wine, before becoming somewhat vegetal.

The Tomatin 18 year-old is quite an interesting whisky. It is fruity, smoky, and light, with a unique finish.

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