Tomatin unleashes Vintage 1988 single malt

The Highland-based producer and blender of Scotch whisky, Tomatin Distillery, has launched a rare Vintage 1988 single malt as part of its Cù Bòcan range.  The sherry casks used to mature the spirit were previously home to a popular heavily peated Islay whisky.  Just 2,200 bottles of the malt are available.  

Bottled at a cask strength of 51.5% ABV, the whisky is described as having an aroma of campfire smoke and stewed pears with flavours of candied tropical fruits and an earthy peaty tang.

The Cù Bòcan brand is named after a mythical Highland hellhound, which was rumoured to haunt the village of Tomatin and was launched in 2013 as a lightly peated alternative to the traditional fruity flavours of Tomatin single malt.  This latest release follows previous limited editions including the 1989 vintage in 2014, along with the Virgin Oak, Sherry and Bourbon expressions in 2015.

Stephen Bremner, sales director comments: “In such a crowded market, innovation is key. We have invested a lot of time in carefully crafting a range of different expressions to appeal to new markets and push boundaries. Our latest offering experiments with heavily peated Islay casks to infuse our naturally light spirit with an earthy, distinctive flavour.”

The vintage creation is currently being rolled out worldwide and retails at £199.  A list of stockists can be found at www.tomatin.com. 

29 June 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor