Tomatin 12 yo (2008/2021), The French Collection – Sauternes, 46%

Introduction

Tomatin 12 Year Old (2008/2021) Sauternes is part of The French Collection, a prestigious series that celebrates the marriage of traditional Scottish whisky-making with the influence of France’s finest wine casks.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish malted barley processed at Tomatin Distillery in the Highlands of Scotland
• Distillation process: Traditional copper pot still distillation following Tomatin’s signature methods that date back to 1897
• Maturation: Initially matured in traditional oak casks before being transferred to Sauternes wine casks from the Bordeaux region of France for final maturation
• Special techniques: Bottled at 46% ABV without chill filtration to preserve maximum flavor and natural character

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich aromas of honeycomb, apricot jam, vanilla custard, and citrus zest with underlying notes of white grape and sweet oak
• Palate: Luxurious sweet notes of honey-drizzled peaches, tropical fruits, and baked pears balanced with vanilla, toasted oak, and subtle spices
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering sweetness, gentle oak tannins, and subtle wine-like influences that showcase the Sauternes cask contribution

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the delicate aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to appreciate the full complexity, though a few drops of water may open up additional flavor nuances
• Food pairings: Pairs excellently with desserts featuring honey or caramel, blue cheese, foie gras, or fruit-based pastries

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 46% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Highlands
• Certifications/Awards: Part of the highly regarded French Collection, which has received acclaim from whisky critics worldwide

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Tomatin’s French Collection Sauternes represents a rare fusion of Scottish whisky tradition and the noble sweet wine heritage of Bordeaux, creating a truly distinctive dram.

With only a limited number of bottles released as part of this special collection, each bottle represents a fleeting opportunity to experience this distinctive expression.

Master Distiller Graham Eunson personally selected these casks, drawing on decades of expertise to ensure each bottle in the French Collection meets Tomatin’s exacting standards.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky enthusiasts and critics have celebrated The French Collection for its innovative approach to cask maturation and the remarkable depth of flavor achieved.

Collectors who have invested in previous Tomatin limited editions consistently seek out new releases like this Sauternes expression, recognizing the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation.

The French Collection series has been praised in numerous whisky publications and competitions for its exceptional demonstration of how French wine casks can transform and elevate Highland single malt whisky.

From Tomatin Distillery to You

By selecting this bottle, you’re receiving a whisky that represents generations of Highland whisky-making tradition combined with the finest French wine influence.

The approachable yet complex character of this Tomatin expression makes it both impressive to connoisseurs and accessible to those beginning their single malt journey.

When you pour a dram of this Tomatin French Collection, you join a community of discerning whisky enthusiasts who appreciate the art of innovative cask maturation – discover this remarkable Highland single malt today.