Latest news with #Tomatin
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Inside independent Scottish single malt bottling and interesting drams from the whisky industry's approach
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Blending whisky has been going on for centuries in Scotland - and with it the trading of casks. This has resulted in the creation of many independent bottler businesses in and outwith Scotland. Often seen as disruptive to stand-alone distilleries or big name brands, these firms are creative and often agile businesses that are making some seriously interesting drams . It's all about knowing your customer, price point and quality of liquid. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dawn Davies, buying director at The Whisky Exchange, explained what to look out for as a customer, saying: 'There are a lot of independent bottlers out there who do not understand the liquid and are putting out some really bad quality and many who are just bottling the same brands time and time again and have not done research into pricing or what the category needs. 'There are, however, really good ones that do have great liquid at a fair price. When it comes to independent bottlings, the customer really has to do their due diligence to make sure that they can trust what they are buying. But by investing this time they can uncover some excellent bottlings.' Dawn Davies of The Whisky Exchange said: "My absolute favourite to date are our Whisky Show Bottlings from 2024 which featured some of our fabulous staff on the label! We bottled these as part of our #WeAreWhisky campaign to hero the people that make whisky so special." | The Whisky Exchange One of these is Fife-based Lady of the Glen, which does four outruns a year. Within each outrun, the firm has about six casks. Balance and customer taste is in mind with every release. Director Gregor Hannah said: 'Within the outrun we try to follow five principles - one, it's not from a distillery we have bottled in the last 12 months. Two, we have a peated release. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Three, we have a strong finish or Port or Sherry finish whisky. Four, we have something older, so over 20 years old and five, something that is relatively low priced. Ultimately, we want a good, well balanced spirit within each of the releases. This means we have something for everyone within each outrun.' For Sam Simmons, head of whisky of That Boutique-y Whisky Company (TBWC), it's all about creating whisky that you want to share. He said: 'It's always about finding the next 'holy s**t you have to try this' drinking experience, whether it's a 42-year-old unnamed Tomatin or a three-year-old rye from Australia. Good, bad, or mind-blowingly great, if a whisky makes you want to enthusiastically share what's in your glass with a like-minded whisky lover, that's a Boutique-y.' Independent bottlers buy casks of whisky directly from distilleries and are then free to do what they wish with the casks and liquid, such as re-racking, cask finishing or just leaving the liquid in cask for longer. The whisky will then be bottled and sold under the bottler's own brand, often with no mention of the distillery. This can give the freedom and opportunity for a wider variety of products and expressions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dawn Davies, Buying Director, The Whisky Exchange | The Whisky Exchange Mr Hannah said of the excitement about being able to bottle something from a famous distillery: '[It's] being able to illustrate how the distillate character has changed or is different from the official bottling version or taking a risk with a single cask and re-racking it into something the distillery couldn't risk doing with a large release of thousands of bottles. We can try it with a single cask because, why not? 'However, I would say distillate character being expressed in different circumstances is always interesting because it's like listening to David Bowie in different eras. It's the same, but then it's not.' Mr Simmons added: 'Beyond taste, the package and labels of indie bottlers are often pop art in themselves and are able to tell stories in ways many distillery bottlings simply cannot. When TBWC began 13 years ago, there were few doing this, but today there are many excellent examples of this benefit of indies.' As with anything whisky, there are some common misconceptions - one of which is that independent bottlers are not as good as a big single malt brand. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Graeme Mackeddie, master blender at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, said: 'People often think that independently bottled spirits are somehow inferior to their 'official' counterparts. The truth is often the opposite, with independent bottlings of whiskies being presented naturally, free of artificial colouring, and without chill filtration. Very often these whiskies will be presented at slightly higher strengths or perhaps at natural cask strength.' Mr Simmons added: 'There is a misconception that independent bottling is not part of the long standing eco-system of whisky production in Scotland and are instead somewhat malignant, parasitic and harmful. I have long believed that indie bottlers are big whisky's greatest advocates and assets.' The past five to ten years have seen the opening of some new and exciting Scotch whisky distilleries, which means potential casks of liquid from these winging their way to independent bottlers. So which are they most excited to work with? Ms Davies said: 'There are a lot from non-traditional countries that are exciting at the moment. We're also finding gems like Clynelish back on the market. In fact, we worked with Signatory Vintage to release a 17-year-old Clynelish earlier this year, which sold out almost immediately when we launched it online.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Graeme Mackeddie, Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers | Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers Mr Hannah added: 'I genuinely get excited when we receive stock from any distillery. Even the young stuff, where you can taste the raw character, but you can chat with colleagues around the cask about what could make this better, is it just time or will it benefit from a re-rack in a particular style of cask? Those are exciting days.' Mr Simmons said: 'Holyrood, Dornoch, Ardnamurchan and the incredible Inchdairnie are high on my list and we're big fans.' Lady of the Glen Craigellachie bottling | Lady of the Glen
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Tomatin introduces Double Cask as new retail exclusive single malt whisky
Highland distiller Tomatin Distillery has evolved its off-trade portfolio with the release of a new single malt whisky specially created for mainstream retail. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Available now from Tesco and Amazon, Tomatin Double Cask is matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, creating a whisky with an accessible and sought-after fruity and malty flavour profile in the distillery's signature style – the latest release from the IWSC's 'Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year 2022'. Bottled at 40% ABV with an RRP of £37, Tomatin Double Cask will be available in 600 Tesco stores throughout the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This exceptional non-age statement single malt whisky presents aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears, developing into deeper dark fruit flavours gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon for a sweet and spicy finish. Tomatin's new retail exclusive Double Cask. Presented in a 70cl bottle, Tomatin Double Cask is encased in refreshed outer packaging for the brand, featuring teal blue detailing, which elegantly symbolises the tree rings found in oak – a nod to the distillery's first-class wood policy and commitment to knowing the history of each cask that passes through its warehouses. Tomatin Legacy will remain for sale in independent whisky retailers and online nationwide across the UK. Gordon Hynd, UK sales director at Tomatin, said: 'The release of Tomatin Double Cask via our continued retail partnership with Tesco marks an exciting milestone in the development of our supermarket portfolio. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'This is a welcome addition to our range, which has been developed with the supermarket customer's requirements front of mind – creating a high-quality single malt at an affordable price point. Our refreshed packaging is a nod to the importance of oak in creating our Highland single malt whisky.' With a proud heritage dating back to the 15th century, Tomatin has been a home for the whisky making team's dedicated craftsmen and their families since the distillery was established in 1897. The release of Tomatin's Double Cask supermarket whisky follows a successful 12 months for the distillery, with Tomatin 18 Year Old securing Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), elevating it to Platinum status. Tomatin Double Cask is available from Tesco, priced at £37 RRP for a 70cl bottle. For more information, visit Tomatin Double Cask tasting notes Nose: Aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears lead. Palate: Dark fruit flavours, gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon.
The Herald Scotland
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish offshore firm goes onshore with English acquisition
Aberdeen-based Nexos, a provider of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services in the offshore energy sector, described the move as a 'strategic expansion' into onshore energy projects. It follows the acquisition of OSL Consulting Engineers, to which Nexos said it will add its own existing offshore engineering expertise 'to create an onshore powerhouse'. Derek Thomson, of Nexos, said it is now leveraging its expertise to support the onshore energy mix following a number of key wins in the onshore sector. As part of the D2Zero group, Nexos' expansion follows the successful acquisition of OSL Consulting Engineers, further solidifying its capabilities in delivering comprehensive EPC services. Complimenting the existing offices and workshop facilities across the North East of Scotland, nexos' onshore operations have acquired additional offices in Hull, 'strategically placing the company within the UK's most active industrial regions'. Mr Thomson said: 'Leveraging Nexos' extensive EPC expertise into the onshore market signals our intent to become a powerhouse in the energy transition. 'We are combining OSL's engineering and procurement expertise with our industry-leading construction capabilities to provide exceptional value as an EPC contractor in the onshore energy market. 'By providing construction services in-house, we are offering a genuine full-service solution that many other onshore EPC contractors cannot, and a seamless project execution journey for our clients.' Nexos, which employs more than 1,000 across its facilities and was formerly known as Global E&C, said its 'extensive offshore experience, particularly in high-hazard environments, provides a unique advantage in tackling complex onshore projects'. Trossachs coopering facility backed by £1.3 million investment A new coopering facility in Callander has been backed by a £1.3 million investment. The investment is being viewed as a major vote of confidence in the whisky industry in Scotland. The new facility has been launched by Gary Drummond, who is a second-generation cooper with more than 18 years of experience. Trossachs Cooperage has created 12 skilled local jobs in the first year with four long-service coopers who bring more than 120 years of combined experience to the business. Tomatin launches limited edition to celebrate veteran distiller A limited edition single malt has been released to celebrate the retirement of a master distiller after more than 30 years in the whisky industry.
The Herald Scotland
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Tomatin launches limited edition to celebrate veteran distiller
Over the past 14 years, he has led the distillery to achieve a series of prestigious award wins, including 'Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year' and 'Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year' at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2022. Last year, Tomatin 18 Year Old also secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). Read More: As well as Tomatin 18 Year Old, Mr Eunson is responsible for crafting Tomatin's flagship single malt whisky, Legacy, and experimental lightly-peated single malt Cù Bòcan. He also oversaw the relaunch of The Antiquary in summer 2024, revitalising this historic brand with the release of three exceptional age-statement blended whiskies in bold new packaging. He has announced his retirement, and will leave his post at the end of May. To celebrate Graham's remarkable contribution to the Scotch whisky industry, and his enduring legacy at Tomatin Distillery, a limited-edition single malt has been released to commemorate his career. Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition single malt Scotch whisky is limited to only 514 bottles worldwide and is crafted from whisky fully matured in two exceptional casks, each representing a defining chapter in Mr Eunson's career. The first, a refill hogshead filled in 1990, marks the year he first stepped into the whisky industry. The second, a French oak barrique filled in 2011, commemorates the year he joined Tomatin Distillery. Bottled at 56.1% ABV and priced at £150 RRSP, the distillery says Tomatin Legacy Makers - Graham Eunson edition "opens with notes of stewed red fruits, apple crumble and strawberries and cream, leading into layers of dried mango, banana and papaya on the palate and a medium, drying yet fruity finish". Graham Eunson of Tomatin (Image: Tomatin) Mr Eunson, master distiller and distillery operations director at Tomatin, said: 'Tomatin is an exceptional distillery, and my time working here is one of the high points of my career. I joined Tomatin with the idea that we are all just custodians, and with one goal – to leave the distillery in a better place than I found it. "Through enhanced systems and improved approaches, there is definitely more consistency now. Our first-class wood policy, which is built on knowing as much as we can about the history of a cask before it is filled, is an example of this. 'I'd like to think the legacy I've left is a top-notch whisky which can be enjoyed around the world in the future. I'm also proud of the fact that both of my children, Scott and Kirstie, work in the industry as well, which is fantastic to see.' Scott Adamson, Blender and Global Brand Ambassador at Tomatin, said: 'Working with Graham over the years has been an absolute privilege. His skill, commitment and knowledge are second to none, and he has made a remarkable contribution not only to Tomatin, but to the whisky industry as a whole. 'The release of Tomatin Legacy Makers - Graham Eunson edition is a celebration of his life's work. More than a tribute, this whisky is Graham's legacy in liquid form. He will be greatly missed at the distillery, and we wish him a long and happy retirement.' Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition is available to purchase now from the distillery website and from select independent whisky retailers.
Mint
09-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
What the India-UK FTA means for whisky lovers — beyond Glenlivet and Glenfiddich
Barely hours after India and the UK finalised their multi-billion-pound Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Tuesday, Hemant Rao's cellphone started buzzing with calls and emails. 'These were mostly from whisky exporters from the UK who wanted to get a better idea of the Indian market,' says Rao, founder of the Single Malt Amateurs Club (SMAC), which has about 7,500 members globally. 'This will come as a huge boost to Scotch,' he says of the FTA. The India–UK agreement aims to deepen trade ties by cutting tariffs across sectors. For whisky, it's a landmark move. India is the world's largest whisky market by volume, and Scotch its most coveted import. Under the FTA, the import duty on UK-origin whisky will drop from 150 per cent to 75 per cent immediately, and further to 40 per cent over 10 years — making premium and rare expressions as well as low-key brands such as Mortlach, Old Pulteney, and Tomatin far more accessible to Indian drinkers. While the development has unsettled Indian distillers — particularly those in the growing premium space — it also opens up new possibilities. Lower duties reduce the cost of imported Scotch used in blends, improving margins for many Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brands. But for Indian single malt makers, who've spent the last decade building a reputation, this will mean tougher competition. 'This development is particularly promising for Indian whisky brands that depend heavily on bulk malt imports from the UK, positioning them for greater growth. While we've already seen strong momentum in premium malts over the past five years, I anticipate this progress will significantly accelerate, leading to an even richer and more competitive premium whisky landscape in India,' says Rao. And that means the whisky lover in India can now look beyond the Glenlivets and Laphroaigs and get introduced to both lesser-known but highly rated Scotch whisky brands as well as offerings from boutique and small bottlers. Low-key brands such as Mortlach, Old Pulteney, and Tomatin will soon become more accessible to Indian drinkers. Independent bottlers are family-run outfits that buy barrels from distilleries and release them under their own label. Names like Gordon & MacPhail, Douglas Laing, and Signatory Vintage rarely make it to our shores, mainly due to regulatory complexity and high duties. With the FTA lowering that barrier, one can expect these bottles to finally reach Indian shelves through specialty importers. 'Gordon & MacPhail have been recce-ing the Indian market for a while, and that is likely to happen now,' says Rao, who also expects the likes of Port Askaig to consider India more seriously. Port Askaig was set up by Sukhinder Singh, the London-based co-founder of The Whisky Exchange, the world's biggest online whisky retailer, and owner of Elixir Distilleries. Named after the port village on Islay's north coast, Port Askaig offers a range of expressions, including an 8-year-old, 100 Proof, and limited editions. Older Scotch has always been prohibitively expensive in India. Even 18-year-old expressions come with bloated price tags due to the duty structure. For the moneyed but cautious whisky lover, the Glenfiddich Gran Chateau 31 YO ( ₹ 2.5 lakh) will appear to be a lot less of an extravagance once the new prices kick in. The tariff reduction also makes it more viable for importers to bring in aged and rare stock, especially from distilleries like Glendronach, Ben Nevis, or Balblair, which aren't mainstream but have cult appeal. Scotch whisky isn't always about heritage, bagpipes, and pristine glens. There are some great new brands as well. Ardnamurchan Distillery, which commenced production in 2014, is one of them. Located in the Western Highlands, on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, the peaty, brine-y whisky is highly rated by aficionados such as Rao, who also expects English single malts such as those from The Lakes Distillery to find their way to India. 'The revised import landscape could finally make India commercially viable for smaller, boutique distilleries,' notes Rao. The Lakes single malt Blended Scotch is often perceived as inferior to single malts, especially in India, but there's a rising craft movement in the UK where new-age blenders are creating excellent small-batch blends. Brands like Compass Box and Woven are leading this shift. These could find a space as the market matures. Earlier this year, Diageo hosted several dinners across India for wealthy whisky lovers in order to gauge their appetite for the company's global Casks of Distinction programme. The programme allows clients to own a fully mature cask of whisky, sourced from a range of some of Scotland's most storied distilleries. While laws in India regarding cask ownership remain complex, the FTA could lead to greater participation from Indian buyers in such models, especially if partnered with luxury importers or clubs.
