Tomatin Distillery Release Three Whiskies Finished in Italian Wine Casks
Tomatin Distillery: Bridging Tradition and Innovation
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, conveniently located between Inverness and Aviemore, the Tomatin Distillery has gained widespread acclaim for its exceptional wine cask finishes—a facet that resonates profoundly with my own passion stemming from my background in the wine trade. When the opportunity arose to attend a dinner showcasing their latest triumvirate of expressions, each in an Italian wine cask finish of Marsala, Amarone, and Barolo, I eagerly embraced the invitation.
Italy holds a special place in my heart, often prompting me to visit its enchanting landscapes and savour its culinary delights up to five times a year. The allure of this nation lies not only in its remarkable food, hospitable people, exquisite wines, and breathtaking scenery but also in the rich tapestry of culture that thrives in its wine regions. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of time, appreciation, and an unwavering passion for the unique terroirs and the exceptional produce that sets these regions apart. While regional diversity in the world of wine is a common theme, Italy’s mosaic of flavours, dialects, and traditions is truly remarkable and unique.
Though I get great pleasure from whiskies matured or finished in sherry, sauternes, or other sweet wine casks, it’s the allure of dry red wines that captivates my palate. The distinct flavour profiles that emerge from these casks offer a fascinating journey of exploration, as I seek to uncover the intricate aromas and tastes reminiscent of the original wines.
Our tasting experience unfolded at the prestigious Henrietta Hotel in the heart of Covent Garden, where we were treated to Old Fashioned cocktails and canapés prior to our tasting. I intend to delve into a more comprehensive profile of Tomatin in the future, thus, for now, I shall confine this article to the whiskies in this release.
All three expressions, Marsala, Amarone, and Barolo, share a common birthdate of December 2010. They began their maturation in oak casks for a decade, followed by an additional two years of refinement within ex-Marsala, Amarone, and Barolo wine casks. This two-year finishing period allowed the individual characteristics of the wines to intricately weave themselves into the very fabric of the whiskies, yielding a trio of delicious drams.
Marsala Edition – Distinguished by a rose-tinted hue, the Marsala Edition shows aromas of panettone, dried apricot, and toasted nuts. Its palate strikes a balance with subtle sweetness, with notes of dark chocolate, tangerine, and nuanced spices, all elegantly interwoven with the influence of oak.
Amarone Edition – Initially showing a reserved nose, the Amarone Edition gradually unfolded its charms after resting in the glass for 10-15 minutes, revealing cherries steeped in vin santo. This expression has a delightful savoury quality, accompanied by a medley of rhubarb crumble, cloves, and custard. While the term “smooth” is oft-overused, it is undeniably apt here, with flavours that linger.
Barolo Edition – Demonstrating a more assertive nose, the Barolo Edition has fragrances of sour cherry, aniseed, and thyme. Following an initial delicacy on the palate, its flavours evolved in the glass with notes of cherry bakewell tart, orange syrup, and vanilla. It was complemented by a subtle hint of acidity, which, whether real or imagined (Amarone is known for it), added an intriguing dimension to the structure of the whisky.
Scott Adamson, Tomatin’s Blender & Global Brand Ambassador, on the trio of whiskies:
“The Italian Collection combines the rich tapestry of Italian wine culture with our elegant Highland single malt whisky. Italy has a historic, unrivalled passion for single malt scotch whisky, so this latest trio of releases is a tribute to that longstanding relationship with a unique take on our traditional Highland malt. We aimed to capture the essence of Italian wine—its history, nature, landscape, and traditions – and weave it into our whisky, all embodied within a single glass. Each expression in this collection is a testament to the seamless blending of these two worlds, offering a truly exceptional tasting experience for whisky lovers.”
All are available in limited quantities at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and with an RRP of £70.
