Tomatin 2009/2021 - Gordon & MacPhail
Approachable but not boring – this Highland single malt shows what independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail can draw out of a distillery like Tomatin. The Discovery range is designed as an accessible entry point into different whisky styles – smoky, sherried, or fruity. This 2009 Tomatin clearly belongs to the fruity corner – and delivers just that.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A friendly and inviting nose with ripe apples, floral notes, and soft vanilla. Beneath that lie hints of fresh hay and raw cookie dough. Nothing too complex, but clean and pleasant.
Palate
Surprisingly spicy for 43% ABV, with malty sweetness, honey, a slight waxy texture, and a noticeable oak presence. The mouthfeel is soft but substantial – this isn’t a thin whisky.
Finish
The finish is medium in length, slightly bitter and sweet, with a final echo of gentle fruitiness. The oak lingers but doesn’t overwhelm.
Thoughts
Marcel 77/100
An uncomplicated Highland Single Malt that’s a joy to drink, pleasantly surprising with its fruity sweetness combined with robust oak. A great introduction for beginners, and for connoisseurs, a solid companion without any frills – honest and straightforward, just like a good friend for an after-work drink.
Sascha 74/100
The Tomatin 2009/2021 impresses with a clear structure and a balanced interplay between malty sweetness and dominant oak. Despite its simple aromatic profile, it offers a surprisingly substantial texture, though it remains limited in complexity – a reliable Highland malt for those who appreciate clean lines and approachability.
Value for Money: Fair
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76/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Tomatin 2009/2021 from Gordon & MacPhail stand out compared to other Highland malts?
The Tomatin 2009/2021 is distinguished by its fruity style, which Gordon & MacPhail, as an independent bottler, highlights. Unlike typical Highland malts, this whisky focuses on ripe apple notes, vanilla, and a pleasant spiciness, making it beginner-friendly yet still interesting in flavor.
How does the bottling by Gordon & MacPhail influence the taste of the Tomatin 2009/2021?
As an independent bottler, Gordon & MacPhail carefully selects casks that emphasize the distillery’s character. For the Tomatin 2009/2021, they crafted a fruity profile with clear oak aromas and balanced spice, which typically isn’t found in the distillery’s standard releases.
Why does the Tomatin 2009/2021 have no age statement on the label, even though it has matured for 12 years?
The Tomatin 2009/2021 is marketed as a single malt without an age statement (NAS), despite being distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2021. This is because independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail sometimes omit an official age statement to maintain flexibility in cask selection and blending.