Tomatin Distillery, located in the Scottish Highlands, is one of Scotland’s most respected and historically rich whisky producers. Known for its elegant and complex single malts, the distillery has a unique identity that combines tradition with innovation. Its location, history, and approach to whisky-making sets it apart from many other Scotch distilleries, making Tomatin an integral part of the global whisky scene.
The story of Tomatin Distillery begins in the 19th century, though its roots go deeper into the clandestine world of illicit distilling in the Highlands. The area around the village of Tomatin, which sits on the River Findhorn, was home to numerous illegal stills in the 18th century. In those days, the rugged terrain provided an ideal environment for distillers looking to avoid the reach of the excise men.
Tomatin was officially established in 1897, when a group of local businessmen bought the rights to produce whisky in the region. The distillery was initially small but had access to a steady supply of water from the Alt-na-Frith stream, a key factor in its future success. The name "Tomatin" comes from the Gaelic “Tom a' Mhàthain,” meaning “hill of the deer,” a fitting homage to the wildlife-rich environment surrounding the distillery.
However, Tomatin’s growth took a more significant leap in the 1950s and 1960s. As global demand for Scotch whisky soared, particularly in the post-WWII era, Tomatin expanded its facilities and increased production. By the 1970s, it had become one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, with a capacity of over 12 million litres of whisky annually. The distillery employed over 200 people at its peak, and Tomatin’s whiskies were widely recognized for their quality.
Despite the success of the 1960s and 1970s, the 1980s brought challenges to the Scotch whisky industry, as demand began to wane. This decline led to Tomatin’s sale in 1986 to the Japanese company Takara Shuzo. The acquisition marked a turning point for the distillery, as it embraced global markets, particularly in Asia, where Scotch whisky was becoming increasingly popular. Takara Shuzo’s ownership helped stabilize Tomatin, allowing it to innovate while maintaining its traditional values.
Since the early 2000s, Tomatin has continued to grow, focusing on refining its existing product lines while introducing new expressions and limited edition releases. Today, it remains a key player in the Scotch whisky industry, respected for both its rich heritage and forward-thinking approach to whisky making.
There are several aspects that make Tomatin Distillery stand out in the world of Scotch whisky. From its location and size to its production methods and innovative approach, Tomatin’s uniqueness is evident at every stage of the whisky making process.
Tomatin’s location in the Scottish Highlands plays a crucial role in shaping its whisky’s flavour profile. The distillery is situated at an altitude of over 300 meters, providing a cooler climate ideal for slow maturation. The Alt-na-Frith stream, which runs through the valley, provides Tomatin with some of the purest water in Scotland. This natural water source is essential for whisky production, and its mineral composition contributes subtly to the taste of the final product. Graham Nicholson, Global Sales Director at Tomatin, says, “I describe our house style as elegant, sweet and fruity which comes from our new make spirit. A range of factors create this, but a major element is the extremely long fermentation. On top of this, we are fortunate to have been able to invest both the highest quality wood and to have an extensive range of casks to mature our spirit. This delivers terrifically elegant whiskies with the widest range of characters in our single cask offering.”
As Nicholson alludes to, one of the hallmarks of Tomatin is its unique approach to cask maturation. While many distilleries rely on the traditional use of American oak barrels or European oak sherry casks, Tomatin has taken an innovative approach by experimenting with a wide variety of cask types. These include ex-wine casks, port casks, and even rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks. The distillery’s willingness to experiment with different types of wood allows it to create expressions with a diverse range of flavors and complexity.
For example, Tomatin’s "Vintage" series often features a mix of casks to create a harmonious blend of characteristics, while their “Cask Strength” range focuses on high-proof expressions that showcase the influence of the wood in a more direct way. This versatility with cask maturation allows Tomatin to appeal to a broad audience, from traditional whisky lovers to those seeking more experimental flavors.
As Nicholson says, “We pride ourselves being innovative. Look out for some exciting, limited editions to suit all budgets. Our single cask bottling program is second to none in Scotland and we can fulfil most demands for age and character of whiskies. But one thing we will never compromise on is the consistent quality of our spirit.”
Despite its long history, Tomatin has always embraced new ideas in the world of whisky production. The distillery invests heavily in innovation, both in terms of product development and sustainable practices. For instance, Tomatin has made strides in reducing its carbon footprint by implementing eco-friendly initiatives. The distillery has adopted energy-efficient technologies, like biomass heating systems, and has worked to minimize waste through recycling and reusing materials wherever possible.
Tomatin also focuses on sustainability by developing a supply chain that supports local farmers and businesses. The distillery sources barley from nearby farms, which helps promote the local agricultural economy and ensures a high standard of raw materials.
Finally, what truly sets Tomatin apart is its dedication to craftsmanship. The distillery’s production methods have remained largely unchanged for decades, ensuring that the whisky retains its distinctive style. From its custom made copper pot stills to the traditional wooden washbacks used in fermentation, Tomatin combines old world techniques with a modern attention to detail. The distillery’s commitment to quality is evident in the fact that every drop of Tomatin whisky is still distilled and matured in the Highlands, ensuring the preservation of its unique character.
As such, the extensive inventory at Tomatin allows the distillery to offer casks of incredible age and rarity, dating back to the 1960s. Nicholson says that when they select casks for private sale, “any private cask must match the quality we expect from Tomatin reflecting the “house style” at its core and build on that with balance, complexity and depth coming from either the wood directly or the oxidation characteristics from time spent in the cask. We pride ourselves in being able to provide a personalised services through our single cask program and believe in matching the whisky to the buyer. Because we have such a wide variety of cask styles, we can usually meet all expectations.”
As agents for Tomatin, we are incredibly proud to be able to offer these to our clients who are looking for a truly unique product. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will gladly guide you through the process.