Tomatin 42 Year Old 1978 47% 70cl

Tomatin is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery with a long history and a reputation for producing soft, approachable whiskies with a signature fruity style. Located just south of Inverness, Tomatin sits in a remote, elevated setting on the edge of the Monadhliath Mountains, its name derived from the Gaelic Tom Aitinn, meaning “hill of the juniper bush.”

The distillery was officially established in 1897, though whisky production in the area dates back centuries, likely beginning as illicit distilling by local farmers. Tomatin grew steadily in the first half of the 20th century and underwent major expansion in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming, at its peak, the largest malt whisky distillery in Scotland, with 23 stills and the capacity to produce over 12 million litres of spirit annually. Much of this output was used in blends for brands like The Antiquary and Big T.

By the mid-1980s, however, the whisky industry faced overproduction and falling demand, and Tomatin entered liquidation in 1985. It was rescued by Japanese drinks company Takara Shuzo Co. and Okura & Co., marking the first time a Scotch whisky distillery was acquired by a Japanese-owned firm. This ownership brought stability, a focus on quality single malt, and an early entry into the Japanese market, now a key stronghold for the brand.

Today, Tomatin runs 12 stills and produces both unpeated and lightly peated spirit, with a strong emphasis on long fermentation times and gentle distillation to create a smooth, fruity character. Maturation takes place on-site in a range of cask types, including ex-bourbon barrels, oloroso sherry butts, and more experimental wine and port casks.

In addition, the distillery produces Cu Bocan, a lightly peated Highland single malt available in seasonal, limited-edition releases that explore different cask finishes.

Tomatin’s flavour profile is often described as gentle and welcoming. Expect aromas of green apple, pear, and malt sweetness, followed by flavours of honey, vanilla, citrus, and baking spice, with a soft, lingering finish. Even its sherried or older bottlings retain this core fruit character, making Tomatin an excellent choice for those who prefer a smoother Highland style.

The distillery has also invested heavily in sustainability and community, being a major local employer and operating one of Scotland’s highest-altitude distilleries. Its on-site maturation warehouses allow every stage of production to remain under close control, ensuring quality from grain to glass.

Our Tomatin selection includes everything from the bright, accessible Legacy to rare, decades-old single malts, along with unique cask finishes for the adventurous drinker. Whether you’re exploring Highland whisky for the first time or adding a refined, fruit-driven malt to your collection, Tomatin offers a consistently high-quality, characterful dram with over a century of history behind it.