Highland distiller Tomatin has unveiled an impressive trio of new single malts today, The Sherry Collection.
Available now from specialist retailers, this limited edition series will exhibit the unique influence of different casks, showcasing classic Tomatin whisky matured in Manzanilla, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximénez butts.
Fortified wine has played a role in the creation of Tomatin whisky throughout its history with the distillery using sherry casks sourced from Jerez in maturation for more than a century.
However, The Sherry Collection has been created to celebrate modern sherry culture, which has seen a resurgence, thanks partly to the growing tapas scene and the evolving food and drink desires of consumers seeking alternative choices.
Tomatin’s award-winning team have refined three expressions, each bottled at different ages to showcase the whiskies at their peak.
The Manzanilla Edition (RRP £65, 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, natural colour) was distilled in 2014 and has been finished in Manzanilla butts for two years. It carries depth with delicious aromas of sourdough bread and salty popcorn on the nose, perfectly balanced with dried fruits, chamomile tea, grapefruit, maple syrup and salted walnut on the palate. Characteristic of the Manzanilla, the finish is slightly salty with warm brown butter.
The Palo Cortado Edition (RRP £95, 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, natural colour) has been finished for three years in Palo Cortado butts after being distilled in 2008. Aromas of cinder toffee and dried orange provide a rich and inviting introduction, followed by notes of milk chocolate, toasted fruit loaf and Brazil nuts on the palate. It has a tangy and complex finish, with hints of black tea and ginger.
The Pedro Ximénez Edition (RRP £150, 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, natural colour) has the longest maturation of 17 years, including an eight-year finish in PX casks. A nose of indulgent sticky toffee pudding and espresso is followed by a combination of lemon curd, golden syrup, dates, dried fig and muscovado sugar on the palate. The finish is long with notes of rum, raisin and decadent dark chocolate.
Each Edition comes in the classic Tomatin 70cl bottle with distinctive packaging that brings together the rich and rustic tones of the Scottish Highland landscape while replicating the vivid colours of classic sherry.
The markings on the secondary carton represent wood grain, to highlight the different cask finishes used.
Scott Adamson, Blender and Global Brand Ambassador for Tomatin, said: “The Sherry Collection is a nod to our past and our present; sherry has been widely used in Scotch for decades and Tomatin’s story is no different, however, this collection celebrates our continuous experimentation, craftsmanship and desire to bring remarkable flavours to our consumers all over the world.
“The Collection provides a real journey through sherry, highlighting our cask management expertise, to deliver a mixture of expressions, all grounded with our classic Tomatin profile.”
