Tomatin Cù Bòcan Creation #4 | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Limited edition with maturation in Tawny Port and Cognac casks. Produced only a few weeks each year using peated malt.
Age Statement: Not specified, but part of a creation series indicating a focus on unique cask finishes rather than age.
Color and Clarity: Natural color, non-chill filtered, 46% ABV. The specific color is not described, but the emphasis on natural color suggests a traditional approach.
Bottle Design: Not described, but as part of a limited edition series, it likely features distinctive labeling to denote its unique characteristics.

Balance of Flavors: Described as very balanced, with a medley of fruitiness, dryness, and a good amount of smokiness. Not overwhelmingly smoky, with an estimated peatiness of 25-30 PPM.
Unique Characteristics: The combination of Tawny Port and Cognac casks contributes to a unique profile of plum jam, grilled peach, stewed forest fruit, cinnamon, and sweet campfire smoke. The port wine character is particularly noted for its fruitiness and smoothness, while the cognac casks add a bit of spiciness and aromatic Limousin oak to the aftertaste.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, the unique maturation process sets it apart. The use of both port and cognac casks is less common in whisky production, offering a distinctive flavor profile.

Distillery History: Tomatin, once the largest distillery in Scotland with 23 stills, now operates with significantly fewer. The Cù Bòcan brand was developed to explore peated expressions distinct from Tomatin's traditional non-smoky offerings.
Brand Ambassador Visit: An anecdote about a brand ambassador's visit highlights the distillery's openness and the evolution of the Cù Bòcan line from a single expression to a variety of limited editions.
Name Origin: Cù Bòcan is named after a mythical ghost dog from the local mosses, tying the whisky's smoky character to local folklore and the natural environment.

Speyside Identity: As a Speyside distillery, Tomatin benefits from the region's reputation for producing some of Scotland's most renowned whiskies. The Cù Bòcan series adds a unique, peated dimension to this legacy.
Local Folklore: The name Cù Bòcan itself is a nod to Scottish mythology, adding a layer of cultural depth to the brand.

"For a peated whisky, it's priced below 60. So it has a price but not too expensive because it has this maturation in port casks and cognac casks and it has the smoke in it. So below 60 is a price which is okay from my point of view if it's good." - Horst Luening
"It's intense, it's balanced. Not many columns I would say, but on fruitiness, dry or a little bit of a bitterness, and good amount of smokiness." - Ben Luening

Tomatin Cù Bòcan Creation #4 is a unique Speyside single malt with a peated profile, matured in Tawny Port and Cognac casks.
Offers a balanced flavor profile with a medley of fruitiness, smokiness, and a hint of spiciness.
Named after a mythical ghost dog, adding a layer of local folklore to its identity.
Once part of the largest distillery in Scotland, Tomatin has a rich history, with Cù Bòcan representing its innovative exploration of peated whiskies.
Priced below 60, considered good value for its unique characteristics.

Peated Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy a smoky profile but are looking for something less intense than the heavily peated Islay whiskies.
Whisky Adventurers: Individuals interested in unique cask finishes and the interplay of different flavors.
Speyside Fans: Lovers of Speyside whiskies curious about a peated expression from the region.
Budget-Conscious Connoisseurs: Whisky aficionados seeking high-quality, limited edition releases at a reasonable price point.