Tomintoul Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Tomintoul is a classic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, proudly marketed as “The Gentle Dram” for its smooth, approachable style. Produced at the Tomintoul Distillery, nestled near the village of Ballindalloch in the scenic Glenlivet estate area, it takes its name from the nearby village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Scottish Highlands, sitting 345 metres above sea level.

Founded in 1964, Tomintoul is a relatively young distillery by Scotch standards, but it has quickly established itself as a producer of refined, well-balanced malts that appeal to both newcomers and seasoned whisky drinkers. Its location in the heart of Speyside gives it access to some of the purest natural resources in Scotland, including water from the Ballantruan Spring in the Cromdale Hills. This soft, mineral-rich water is a key ingredient in shaping Tomintoul’s delicate character.

The distillery uses traditional copper pot stills in a configuration that produces a light, fruity spirit. Fermentation is deliberately long to encourage the development of esters — the compounds responsible for floral and fruity notes in the whisky. The spirit is typically matured in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon casks and sherry butts, with occasional use of wine casks for limited editions and special finishes.

While Tomintoul is best known for its gentle, unpeated malts, the distillery also produces a smoky variant under the name Ballantruan, using heavily peated malted barley for a bold yet balanced Speyside peat expression.

Flavour-wise, unpeated Tomintoul malts tend to be light-bodied, sweet, and floral, with honey, vanilla, and soft fruit leading, followed by gentle spice and a smooth, lingering finish. The peat-influenced Ballantruan range balances campfire smoke and earthy notes with malt sweetness, making it an approachable option for those exploring peated whiskies.

Tomintoul’s branding as The Gentle Dram is no accident — the whisky’s style makes it a versatile choice. It’s equally suited to sipping neat, enjoying with a drop of water, or using in high-quality whisky cocktails where a lighter spirit works best. Its soft, fruit-driven character also makes it a good match for food pairings, particularly mild cheeses, smoked salmon, or desserts with honey or vanilla.

Our Tomintoul selection includes the core age-statement range, older prestige releases, and the peated Ballantruan bottlings, giving whisky lovers the opportunity to explore both sides of this Speyside distillery’s personality. Whether you’re seeking a mellow daily dram, a refined gift bottle, or a gentle introduction to peated whisky, Tomintoul offers consistent quality, traditional craftsmanship, and a flavour profile that truly lives up to its “Gentle Dram” reputation.