Whisky Review/Tasting: Tomatin 30 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tomatin Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation: Produced at a time when Tomatin was the largest malt whisky distillery in Scotland, utilizing 23 pot stills.
Maturation: Matured for over 30 years in a combination of European (typically sherry casks) and North American oak casks.
Age Statement: 30 years.
ABV: 46%.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is noted for its lightness, which might suggest a lighter color.
Bottle Design: The specific design details are not mentioned, but the bottle was found wrapped in plastic, marked as leaking, and showing some wear.

Overall Balance: Extremely fruity and complex, with a notable balance between sweet and sour notes.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky has a distinctive green apple (Granny Smith) and citron flavor, with hints of melon (not watermelon but green-yellowish flesh melons) and possibly some leather.
Comparison: Described as very different from typical Highland malt whisky due to its strong green apple and citrus notes. It's also compared to Tomatin's no age statement whisky, "Legacy," which is younger, less complex, but still enjoyable.

Distillery History: Tomatin was once the largest malt whisky distillery in Scotland, with an extreme production setup of 23 pot stills. The distillery has since reduced production and sold most of the old stills for copper recycling, keeping the best for future use to maintain low maintenance costs.
Discovery: The bottle was found by Horst Luening while cleaning, wrapped in plastic and marked as leaking, adding a sense of serendipity to the tasting experience.

Historical Significance: Tomatin's history as a major player in Scotch whisky production, with a peak period featuring 23 pot stills, highlights its significant role in the industry and its evolution towards producing higher quality whisky in lower quantities.

"Extremely fruity and complex, incredibly complex."
"Very different to typical Highland malt whisky."
"It's time that Tomatin is building up stocks again, bringing or keeping higher ages like this one for the upcoming decades."

Tomatin 30 years is a single malt Scotch whisky matured in a mix of European and North American oak casks.
It features a unique and complex flavor profile dominated by green apple, citron, and melon notes.
The whisky's history is tied to Tomatin Distillery's past as the largest malt whisky producer in Scotland.
Horst Luening, the mastertaster, appreciates the whisky's complexity and uniqueness, highlighting its departure from typical Highland malts.
The discovery of the bottle adds a personal touch to the review, emphasizing the rarity and value of such aged whiskies.

For Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for complex, aged whiskies will find the Tomatin 30 years' unique flavor profile and history appealing.
For Adventurous Drinkers: Those looking to explore beyond typical Highland malts and enjoy unique, fruity flavors.
For Collectors: The rarity and backstory of finding a long-aged whisky like this, especially one from a distillery with such a significant production history, will appeal to collectors.