For years, Spain dominated the wine cask game with Sherry barrels being the go-to for Scotch makers. But over the years, Portugal has made some serious headway into the whisky world with everything from Port to Madeira casks being used to add a touch of something different to the final liquid. Highland distillery Tomatin is celebrating that combination with the launch of the Portuguese Collection.
Comprised of The Port Edition, The Moscatel Edition, and The Madeira Edition, the Tomatin Portuguese Collection is made up of three whiskies distilled on September 8, 2006 and laid down in traditional oak casks for more than eight years. On April 23, 2015, the whiskies were transferred into Tawny Port, Moscatel de Setúbal, and Madeira wine casks for a further seven years. Finally, each expression was bottled at 46% ABV.
“Portugal has a great tradition of winemaking and is particularly well renowned for its characterful fortified wines,” said Scott Adamson, Tomatin blender and global brand ambassador. “We wanted to take some of that incredible aroma, taste and mouthfeel and combine it with the unique flavours of Tomatin to create something outstanding – worthy of the gifting season and special occasions.”
The Port Edition showcases an initial aroma of Black Forest gateau with warm spices and deep forest fruits (blackberries, raspberries and cherries), then finishes with sweeter notes of peach and apricot. The Moscatel Edition offers sweet aromas of marmalade, honey and salted caramel, combined with a hint of citrus balanced with ginger and star anise. Completing the collection, The Madeira Edition presents pronounced aromas of honey and lemon, which move into flavors of butterscotch and stewed apples – finishing on a treacle note.
The Tomatin Portuguese Collection is priced at £90 ($100 USD) per 700ml bottle and can be purchased via the brand’s official website.
Last month, Tomatin released the “world’s rarest Japanese whisky,” Shirakawa 1958 Single Malt from Takara Shuzo Co.