Whisky Review/Tasting: Tomatin Cù Bòcan

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tomatin Distillery, Highland village of Tomatin.
Type: Single Malt Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Specific details on distillation and maturation processes are not provided, but it is noted for its smoky flavor, which is a departure from the distillery's typical offerings.
Age Statement: No age statement is provided.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is associated with an "inky blue cloud of smoke."
Bottle Design: Features imagery related to the ghost dog legend of Cù Bòcan, with a design that evokes the story's mystical and eerie nature.

Balance of Flavors: A harmonious blend of aromatic smoke with fresh citrus fruit undertones.
Unique Characteristics: Noted for its approachable level of smoke (10 to 15 ppm), making it less intense than island whiskies but smokier than typical Highland offerings. The smoke is described as more campfire-like than medicinal.
Comparison: Less smoky than Islay, Skye, or Mull whiskies, offering a gentler introduction to smoky whiskies.
Flavor Notes: Fresh aromatic smoke, citrus fruits, cocoa, cream (debated), aniseed (possibly due to the ABV), honey, spices (cinnamon, cloves), and Christmas cake.

Legend of Cù Bòcan: The whisky is named after a ghost dog that has haunted the village of Tomatin for centuries. The legend involves a distillery worker's eerie encounter with the beast, which vanished into smoke upon touch.
Distillery Anecdotes: Workers have reported mysterious leakages and sightings of the hellhound around the distillery, adding a layer of mystique to the production environment.

Highland Village of Tomatin: The whisky draws heavily on local folklore, embedding the spirit within the cultural and geographical landscape of its origin. The legend of Cù Bòcan adds a unique narrative layer to the whisky's identity.

Horst Luening's Impressions: Praised for its aromatic smoke, fresh flavor profile, and approachability for those new to smoky whiskies. Despite lacking an age statement, it is considered a complex and enjoyable dram.
Quote: "This whisky is, for a young one, a wonderful dram."

Tomatin Cù Bòcan is a smoky single malt whisky from the Highland village of Tomatin, featuring no age statement.
It offers a unique flavor profile of aromatic smoke, fresh citrus, and a blend of spices, making it an accessible option for those new to smoky whiskies.
The whisky is steeped in local folklore, named after a legendary ghost dog that adds a mystical narrative to its identity.
Despite its youth, it is praised for its complexity and enjoyable taste, making it a recommended choice for both novices and seasoned whisky enthusiasts.

For Novices: An excellent introduction to smoky whiskies, offering a gentler smoke profile that eases newcomers into the category.
For Enthusiasts: Those interested in the cultural and storytelling aspects of whisky will find the legend of Cù Bòcan captivating.
For Collectors: The limited production (13,000 bottles) and unique story make it a noteworthy addition to any collection.