This is a new single malt from the Highland distillery of Tomatin that is exclusive to grocery retailers in the UK. The Tomatin 10 Years Old Bourbon Cask has been 100% matured in ex-bourbon barrels and is available initially via Waitrose and Amazon. It follows a similar release, the Tomatin Double Cask, which launched successfully via Tesco and Amazon earlier this year.
Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, about half way between Aviemore and Inverness. It was founded in 1897 by a group of Inverness businessmen and was originally named Tomatin Spey. It later became Tomatin, the name of the local village, in 1907. Tomatin is currently owned by the Takara Shuzo Corporation. They purchased the distillery in 1986 after the previous ownership had been liquidated. It has a current annual capacity of five million litres. The distillery produces unpeated Tomatin whisky, which is used for this bottling, plus the peated Cù Bòcan range.
The Tomatin 10 Years Old Bourbon Cask is available initially as an exclusive in Waitrose and Amazon in the UK. It will be introduced to further grocery retailers in other world markets in 2026. It is bottled at 40% ABV and will retail for £42.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is vibrant gold and the nose is immediately expressive, fruity and sweet. Aromas of runny honey, baked apple and vanilla pod are quickly joined by ripe apricot, white chocolate and fresh coconut. Underneath lay further aromas of hazelnut praline, almond marzipan and hints of cocoa powder and candied lemon. A pinch of warming gingerbread spice is also evident.
On the palate this whisky feels creamy and luscious with a lovely peach and apricot-like fruit note to begin with. This feels juicy and ripe. Then comes the vanilla. This is reminiscent of fresh vanilla pod and good patisserie custard or crème anglaise, which gives a delightful silky and viscous texture. This is accentuated further by notes of creamed coconut and white chocolate.
With time some woody oak and warming spices begin to evolve. These add structure and depth – think of freshly baked gingerbread, cinnamon and sawdust with a hint of white pepper and clove. The nuttiness from the nose also develops nicely and this again adds to the lovely mouth feel. Creamy hazelnut sits alongside macadamia and a hint of almond. A note of baked apple sits in the background throughout.
The finish is of decent length and continues on the fruity/ nutty/ sweet vibe. The apricot and peach sweetness plus the baked apple slowly fade, as does the rich vanilla and coconut creaminess. This leaves the oak and spices to give a bit of tannic bite and a lasting warmth.
What’s The Verdict?
Tomatin have produced a great whisky for this UK supermarket exclusive. The pure bourbon cask maturation has given the classic set of aromas and flavours expected from such ageing – vanilla, honey, ripe stone fruit, coconut, nuts and spice. And all at a very reasonable price of around £40. The creaminess and mouth feel is delightful and the whisky is excellent. Make room in your shopping trolley next time you are in the drinks aisle.
