Are you looking to dive into a fresh range of whiskies from an incredible distillery? You might have to make Tomatin’s new French Collection that new tipple.

Tomatin has been putting out solid offerings for a very long time, so no surprise here that the distillery has created something special. This collection is a way to showcase the exceptional  influences that using different types of French-spirit casks can impart on a whisky. The French Collection features four offerings from Monbazillac, Sauternes, Rivesaltes, and Cognac casks. The first three of these listed here have already been unveiled, with the fourth due to be released later this year.

The concept is one Tomatin championed in 2014 with the release of the Cuatro Series that was very well received. Graham Eunson, Master Distiller at Tomatin, maintains: “The French Collection is a great example of Tomatin’s dedication to craft and excellence, with each expression showcasing how respective finishing cask affects the original spirit.”

He continues: “We have produced four remarkable expressions, which will appeal, not only to whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike, but also a wider audience. On top of this, we are also very excited for consumers to be able to experience each expression with the ambisonic, content series  we have launched.”

 Of the three editions already released, the Monbazillac Edition was distilled on April 25, 2008. The Monbazillac aroma dances between notes of dark, maple syrup and intense espresso, balanced with cinnamon baked apples. On the palate, there is a sweet, cereal flavour combined with sweet, milk chocolate and honeycomb ahead of subtle spices and emerging nutty flavours. The finish is rich with walnut and maple syrup.

The Sauternes Edition was distilled on September 19, a few months later in 2008. This brings a burst of peach and apricot on the nose, calmed by rich Manuka honey. The sweet honey continues on the palate accompanied by coconut and ginger. The finish is wonderfully sweet and fresh with a syrupy mouthfeel indicative of the Sauternes wine that once occupied the cask.

The Rivesaltes Edition, distilled on the same day at the Sauternes edition, marries characteristic, fresh-fruit notes incredibly well with the sweet, nutty flavours for which Rivesaltes wine is known. Contrasting sweet and bitter flavours dominate the palate, held together by an underlying barley aroma. The finish is velvety with the flavours from the palate lingering for some time.

All three were moved to their wine casks in July, 2017.

So if you fancy a new whisky…or three even, do check out Tomatin’s French Collection, which is online now.

Slainte,

Elijah