Tomatin 9 yo (2013/2023) Cooper’s Choice (Sauternes Cask #3190), 52.5%

Introduction

Tomatin 9-year-old from Cooper’s Choice represents a harmonious marriage between traditional Highland whisky-making and the luxurious influence of French Sauternes wine casks, creating a distinctive expression that stands apart from conventional single malts.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish malted barley from the Highlands region, processed at the historic Tomatin distillery established in 1897
• Distillation process: Double distillation in Tomatin’s traditional copper pot stills, known for producing a lighter, fruitier spirit character
• Maturation: Full 9-year maturation in a single Sauternes wine cask (#3190) from the Bordeaux region of France, allowing for deep wine influence
• Special techniques: Bottled at natural cask strength (52.5%) without chill filtration to preserve all original flavors and oils

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich honey, apricot preserves, and vanilla custard with delicate floral notes, toasted oak and subtle baking spices
• Palate: Concentrated sweetness of Sauternes wine influence with layers of poached pears, golden raisins, caramelized orange peel, and toasted almonds balanced by gentle oak spice
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering notes of honeyed sweetness, dried fruits, and subtle wine tannins that slowly fade to leave a pleasant oak dryness

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C) to fully appreciate its complex character
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat; a few drops of spring water can open up additional flavor layers while softening the alcohol strength
• Food pairings: Pairs excellently with rich desserts like crème brûlée, caramelized fruit tarts, or blue cheese like Roquefort

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 52.5% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Highlands
• Certifications/Awards: Selected and bottled by the renowned independent bottler Cooper’s Choice, known for their exceptional cask selection

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Tomatin 9-year-old represents a remarkable convergence of Highland whisky tradition and refined Sauternes wine cask influence, creating a profile that few distilleries can match.

As a single cask release, this expression is inherently limited, with each bottle representing a small fraction of the approximately 250-300 bottles yielded from cask #3190.

Cooper’s Choice has earned its reputation among whisky experts for their discerning selection of exceptional casks that showcase the finest aspects of Scotland’s distilling heritage.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Wine-influenced whiskies, especially those from sweet Sauternes casks, continue to gain significant attention from whisky enthusiasts and critics alike for their distinctive complexity.

Collectors who have previously invested in similar Cooper’s Choice releases consistently seek out these limited bottlings for their collections.

The quality of this 9-year-old expression demonstrates why Tomatin continues to be recognized as one of Scotland’s most underrated distilleries among informed whisky circles.

From Tomatin Distillery to You

By selecting this particular expression, you’re experiencing a whisky that represents the culmination of skills from both Scottish distillers and French winemakers.

The approachable yet complex character of this Sauternes-influenced Tomatin appeals to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts, creating shared appreciation across the whisky community.

When you share this bottle with friends or fellow enthusiasts, you’re not just offering a drink but inviting them to join you in appreciating the craft and heritage that connects whisky lovers worldwide—secure your bottle today to experience this remarkable Highland single malt.