Tomatin Distillery
History of Tomatin Distillery
Tomatin Distillery, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, has a rich history that dates back to at least the 15th century. The area has been central to whisky production for centuries, with the formal establishment of the distillery occurring in 1897. This introduction sets the stage for the distillery’s longstanding tradition in whisky making.
Early Beginnings and Founding (15th Century – 1897)
The roots of whisky production in Tomatin likely extend back to the 15th century. However, it was in 1897 when the first formal distillery was established on the site. This section explores the area’s early beginnings of whisky production, including any possible illegal distillation activities before the formal establishment.
The 20th Century: Growth and Challenges
Throughout the 20th century, Tomatin Distillery experienced both growth and challenges. This part of the history would cover significant events, expansions, and any obstacles the distillery faced, reflecting on how it adapted and evolved through the decades.
Tomatin Today: Current Status and Production
In recent years, Tomatin Distillery has continued to thrive, producing a range of whiskies that reflect its heritage. This section details the current status of the distillery, its production methods, and how it has maintained its reputation in the modern whisky industry.
The Whiskies of Tomatin: A Legacy of Flavors
Tomatin’s whiskies are known for their unique flavors and quality, deeply influenced by the distillery’s history and location. This part would delve into the different types of whiskies produced by Tomatin, highlighting how they represent the distillery’s legacy and craftsmanship.
Tomatin’s Place in Whisky History
Concluding the history, this section summarizes the significance of Tomatin Distillery in the broader context of whisky production in Scotland. It reflects on the distillery’s contributions to the industry and its enduring legacy.
Awards Won by Tomatin Distillery
International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2022: Tomatin Distillery earned two significant awards – ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’. Additionally, their Legacy and Warehouse 6 Collection, 1976 whiskies received trophies, and the Tomatin 12-Year-Old was highly rated.
World Whiskies Awards Scotland 2024: The Cù Bòcan 12-Year-Old Batch #1 from Tomatin Distillery won ‘Best Single Malt 12 Years and Under’. This whisky is notable for its innovative complexity and unique maturation in Caribbean rum casks. The Cù Bòcan 12-Year-Old Batch #1 and Tomatin 12-Year-Old were awarded Gold in their categories.
Icons of Whisky Awards 2023: Tomatin Distillery was named ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ for their commitment to environmental sustainability. This includes their investment in sustainable tourism and conservation practices, as well as their goal for net zero emissions by 2040. The Cù Bòcan Single Malt also claimed the ‘Category Winner’ in the 13–20-year-old Highland Single Malt Scotch Category.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2023: The Tomatin 36 Year Old was honoured as ‘Best in Show’, chosen as the best single malt scotch. This whisky, known for its complexity and matured in a mix of ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, had previously received this accolade in 2017.
Tomatin Distillery Tour Information and Experience
This tour offers an insightful journey through the history of Tomatin Distillery, established in 1897. Visitors will learn about the distillery’s evolution and get a close-up look at the whisky-making process.
The tour culminates in a tutored tasting session featuring three single malts: Tomatin Legacy, Tomatin 12 year old, and Cù Bòcan Signature. It’s designed to last around 1 hour and 15 minutes and welcomes guests of all ages, with specific pricing for adults and those under 18. Children under 5 years can join free of charge.
Taste of Tomatin Tour
For those seeking a more in-depth experience, this tour extends the journey through the distillery with a more detailed focus on the nuances of Tomatin’s whisky. Participants will enjoy a guided nosing and tasting of six distinct Tomatin expressions, each highlighting the unique character of this Highland distillery. The experience spans 2 hours and is exclusively available to individuals over 18 years of age.
Single Cask Experience
A truly immersive experience for whisky enthusiasts, this tour emphasizes the significance of cask selection in the maturation process. Visitors are treated to an extensive tour of the distillery and warehouse, followed by a detailed nosing and tasting session of five Distillery Exclusive single cask expressions. This 2 hour and 30 minutes tour is designed for visitors above 18 years and offers a rich understanding of the complexities involved in whisky production.
Additional Offerings
Apart from these structured tours, Tomatin Distillery caters to visitors with limited time by offering a complimentary taste of their Tomatin 12 year old single malt at the bar. For a more hands-on experience, guests can opt to hand-fill their own bottle of a cask strength distillery exclusive whisky. This option makes for a memorable souvenir of the visit.
The distillery’s Visitor Centre operates seven days a week, and while walk-ins are welcomed, booking tours in advance is advisable. The distillery is committed to accessibility, offering disabled access to most areas and permitting guide and assistance dogs, though other pets cannot be accommodated.
Flask & Barrel Review of Tomatin Distillery
As a seasoned whisky collector who has toured numerous distilleries, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Tomatin Distillery, and I must say, it was an experience worth sharing. My visit to Tomatin earns a solid 4.7 out of 5 in my book, and here’s why.
Firstly, the location of the distillery is simply breathtaking. Nestled just south of Inverness, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the journey to Tomatin sets the stage for a truly authentic Scotch experience. The serene setting amidst the Monadhliath Mountains adds an almost magical touch to the whole experience.
The Legacy Tour was a great start. It’s not just your usual walk-through; it’s an immersive tale that takes you back to 1897, the year Tomatin was born. The storytelling approach really made the history come alive. I especially appreciated the detailed explanation of their whisky-making process, which, for an enthusiast like me, was both informative and engaging.
Now, the Taste of Tomatin Tour was the highlight for me. Tasting six different expressions of Tomatin whiskies was a delightful journey through flavours and aromas. Each sample unveiled a different aspect of the Highlands’ softer side, and it was evident why Tomatin prides itself on its unique character.
The Single Cask Experience was another level altogether. For someone who has a keen interest in the intricacies of whisky production, understanding the impact of cask selection was fascinating. The chance to taste the Distillery Exclusive single cask expressions was a rare treat – each one with its own distinct personality.
The staff deserve a special mention. Their knowledge, passion, and friendliness made the experience much more personal and enjoyable. It felt less like a guided tour and more like a group of friends sharing a passion for whisky.
The opportunity to hand-fill my own bottle was the perfect end to my visit. It’s not just a bottle of whisky; it’s a memory, a story in a bottle, something that I’ll cherish in my collection.
What To Do Nearby Tomatin Distillery
Fort George: A remarkable 18th-century fortress with fascinating military artefacts and stunning views over the Moray Firth. It’s a historic site offering a glimpse into Scotland’s past.
Inverness Botanic Gardens: These gardens provide a tranquil setting with various plants and flowers, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Inverness Cathedral: This cathedral, also known as St. Andrew’s Cathedral, stands impressively along the River Ness and offers a peaceful place for reflection amidst beautiful architecture.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery: Here, you can delve into the rich history and art of the Scottish Highlands.
Caledonian Canal: A scenic spot ideal for a leisurely walk or a bike ride, where you can enjoy picturesque views of the canal and the surrounding landscape.
Inverness Castle Viewpoint: This is a must-visit for a panoramic view of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Tomatin Distillery?
The Mustard Seed Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1463 220220. Their address is 16 Fraser St, Inverness IV1 1DW, United Kingdom.
Encore: This restaurant boasts a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. You can contact them for reservations at +44 1463 729329. Encore is located at 5 Young St, Inverness IV3 5BL, United Kingdom.
Scotch & Rye: With a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps, Scotch & Rye can be contacted for reservations at +44 1463 715374. Their address is 21 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DF, United Kingdom.