Tomatin distillery

Introduction to Tomatin

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Tomatin is a Highland Scotch whisky distillery, nestled in the picturesque mountains south of Inverness. Located at an elevation of 315 meters above sea level, it stands as one of Scotland’s highest distilleries, where traditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation. The distillery has established a strong reputation for creating whiskies with remarkable depth and character, reflecting both its unique location and commitment to quality.

Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Monadhliath Mountains, Tomatin benefits from the pristine water of the Alt-na-Frith burn, which contributes significantly to the whisky’s distinctive profile.

Why we have a soft spot for Tomatin

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that remain true to their heritage while embracing innovation, and Tomatin exemplifies this balance perfectly. We’re particularly drawn to Tomatin’s commitment to sustainable production methods and its distinctive fruity character that sets it apart from other Highland malts.

The distillery’s transformation from a bulk whisky producer to a creator of award-winning single malts demonstrates a dedication to quality that resonates with our own values. Each expression reveals a different facet of this remarkable distillery’s capabilities.

The history behind Tomatin

Origin and development

Tomatin’s official history began in 1897, though illicit whisky production in the area dates back much further. The distillery was established during the late Victorian whisky boom, strategically positioned near the Highland railway line for efficient distribution.

After surviving the industry challenges of the early 20th century, Tomatin expanded significantly in the 1950s and 1960s, eventually operating 23 stills at its peak, making it one of Scotland’s largest distilleries. Following the industry downturn in the 1980s, Tomatin made history in 1986 when it became the first Scottish distillery to be acquired by Japanese ownership, under the Takara Shuzo Co (now Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd).

The people behind

Today, Tomatin is helmed by Managing Director Graham Eunson and a dedicated team who honor the distillery’s heritage while moving it forward. The current operation employs many locals from the surrounding community, maintaining a village-like atmosphere that has characterized the distillery throughout its history.

The distillery has fostered a remarkable sense of continuity, with several families having worked there across multiple generations. This human element contributes significantly to maintaining the consistency and quality that Tomatin is known for.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Tomatin’s production begins with quality Scottish barley, which undergoes traditional floor malting before being milled and mashed in the distillery’s impressive 8-ton mash tun. The fermentation process takes place in wooden washbacks, allowing for the development of complex flavors and esters.

Distillation occurs in Tomatin’s 12 copper pot stills, which feature unique boil balls in their necks that increase copper contact and contribute to the spirit’s mellow character. The distillery is also notable for operating a particularly long fermentation time of up to 72 hours, which helps create the fruity esters Tomatin is known for.

Maturation and aging

Maturation takes place in a variety of casks, with Tomatin utilizing traditional ex-bourbon barrels alongside sherry butts, port pipes, and virgin oak. The distillery maintains traditional dunnage warehouses where the high altitude, cool temperature, and natural humidity create ideal conditions for slow, balanced maturation.

A significant portion of Tomatin’s character comes from its extensive sherry cask program, which imparts rich, fruity notes to many of its expressions. The distillery’s warehouse capacity allows for long-term aging, with some exceptional releases featuring whisky matured for over three decades.

Selected products from Tomatin

Tomatin Legacy – An introduction to the house style

Tomatin Legacy serves as an excellent entry point to the distillery’s character. This no-age-statement whisky is matured in a combination of bourbon barrels and virgin oak casks, offering notes of vanilla, marshmallow, and light citrus, with a gentle spiciness that makes it approachable yet interesting.

With its creamy mouthfeel and balanced profile, Legacy showcases Tomatin’s ability to create a refined whisky that appeals to both newcomers and experienced enthusiasts alike.

Tomatin 18 Year Old – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking a more complex expression, the 18 Year Old delivers with remarkable depth and nuance. Matured in traditional oak casks and finished in first-fill Oloroso Sherry butts, this whisky presents a sophisticated profile of honey, dark chocolate, dried fruits, and cinnamon, with a long, warming finish.

The luscious texture and perfectly balanced sherry influence demonstrate the distillery’s mastery of cask selection and long-term maturation, making this a standout in Tomatin’s core range.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Tomatin offers a range of visitor experiences that provide insight into their whisky-making process. The distillery’s visitor center welcomes guests with tours that cover everything from malting to maturation, culminating in tastings that showcase various expressions from their portfolio.

Specialized tours are available for enthusiasts, including warehouse experiences that allow visitors to sample whisky directly from the cask. The remote Highland setting adds to the experience, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into traditional Scottish whisky production away from the more touristy distilleries.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tomatin?

Tomatin is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery that produces a range of award-winning whiskies characterized by their fruity profile, soft mouthfeel, and exceptional balance. Originally established as a bulk whisky producer for blends, it has transformed into a respected single malt distillery known for quality and craftsmanship.

Where is Tomatin located?

Tomatin Distillery is located in the village of Tomatin, approximately 16 miles south of Inverness and 315 meters above sea level in the Monadhliath Mountains of the Scottish Highlands. This remote location influences both the character of the whisky and the community-centered nature of the operation.

What characterizes Tomatin whisky?

Tomatin whisky is distinguished by its soft, fruity character with notes of apples, pears, and citrus, complemented by honey, vanilla, and subtle spice. The distillery’s high-altitude location, long fermentation times, and diverse cask management program create whiskies that are both accessible and complex, with a distinctively creamy texture that sets them apart from other Highland malts.

Where can I buy whisky from Tomatin?

You can find carefully selected bottles from Tomatin at Vault of Spirits. We curate the finest expressions from their range, including both their core offerings and limited editions. Our selection is chosen to showcase the best of what this remarkable Highland distillery has to offer, ensuring you experience Tomatin at its finest.