Tomatin Decades II

Decades II is truly a unique and exquisite expression, a marriage of 21 casks, selected from key years throughout the last five decades. It is a testament to the Tomatin way of life, and the generations of staff that to this day remain custodians of this exceptional Scotch Whisky.

With time spent maturing in a mix of Scotch Whisky, ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry and re-charred French oak casks from the last 50 years, Decades II is a rich and complex expression. With initial bursts of fruits giving way to hints of sweet pastry and wood shavings, and aromas of both cooked fruits and floral coconut tones. The remarkable expression is unctuous, with notes of Christmas cake, maple syrup and fresh red berries giving way to tropical fruits ahead of a long waxy, tropical finish.

Graham Eunson, Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin said: “Balancing the flavour profiles of just a few casks can be a real challenge, so to marry five decades of Tomatin whisky in such a way that each cask complements the next is a testament to the team, both those who work at Tomatin today and those that have worked at Tomatin before us, who also distilled and laid down some of the casks we’ve used. We’ve been the custodians of exceptional Scotch for generations, and that care and experience is really showcased by Decades II.”

Decades II, bottled at 46%alc./vol and with a limited run yielding just 3,600 bottles.

As with the original Decades expression (released in 2011 to mark previous Distillery Manager, Douglas Campbell lifetime commitment to the distillery), Decades II is a tribute to all members past and present of Tomatin, (some featured below) and combines the best whisky from Tomatin’s history, with each decade contributing a new flavour sensation:

THE CASKS:

1970s
REFILL BOURBON HOGSHEADS: DISTILLED ON 23/02/1973, 10/07/1975 AND 23/09/1977
Tomatin from the 1970’s is held in exceptionally high regard, prized for its depth and complexity. Matured in refill Hogsheads, this malt has taken on very little oak influence which has allowed the air and liquid in the casks to interact and develop a wide array of tropical fruit flavours.

1980s
FINISHED IN FIRST FILL OLOROSO SHERRY BUTTS: DISTILLED ON 02/12/1988
Tomatin from the 1980’s is sweet and fresh. This malt has been finished for over three years in 1st fill Oloroso Sherry Butts, resulting in a whisky reminiscent of aged Cognac. Tones of aged leather, polished oak and dark roast coffee along with flavours of stone fruit, dark chocolate and tannin add richness.

1990s
FIRST FILL BOURBON BARRELS: DISTILLED ON 04/10/1995
The use of 1st fill Bourbon Barrels has developed a malt with characteristics of golden syrup, freshly baked pastries with subtle spices and add a layer of warmth. Although well into its twenties, Tomatin from the 1990’s is bold which helps impart long length to the overall finish.

2000s
RECHARRED VERDEJO WINE BARRELS: DISTILLED ON 28/01/2000 AND 05/06/2009
From 2000 onwards Tomatin began to experiment with a wider variety of casks. The malt used from the 2000’s has been matured in Verdejo Wine casks which have been re-charred to harness the full influence of the French oak. This adds sweetness as well as some spicier notes.

2010s
SECOND FILL FRENCH OAK BARRELS: DISTILLED ON 14/03/2013
Young Tomatin in second fill casks allows the distillery character to shine through. Fresh green fruits and malty characteristics are to the fore with subtle spice and toffee from the light French oak influence. This is a vivacious malt which adds lighter tones but is kept in balance with the older casks.

Tasting Notes:
Aroma – An initial burst of citrus fruits gives way for hints of sweet pastry and wood shavings. Cooked fruits are balanced by softer floral and coconut tones. There is an overall sense of maturity with dried fruits, almonds and exotic spices adding real depth.
Palate – Unctuous with Christmas cake, maple syrup and fresh red berries. In time tropical fruits emerge with orange peel and ginger.
Finish – Long and waxy with tropical fruit, chocolate and spice.