Emma Tomatin 5 Virtues Whisky series #4 and #5
Tomatin is a Highland whisky distillery located just south of Inverness, who have been around since at least 1897. Around a year ago they released the first two expressions in their Five Virtues series, which is a quintet of no-age-statement (NSA) whiskies based around five elements that contribute to whisky production – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Wood and Fire launched the range and then later last year they also released Earth, which we wrote about here. The last two whiskies, Metal and Water, were released recently and we were lucky enough to try them.
Tomatin 5 Virtues – 4th phase: Metal
Metal is the fourth phase of the cycle and Tomatin have twelve distinctive copper stills through their Tomatin spirit picks up its distinct flavours and aromas. Metal is aged entirely in first-fill bourbon barrels, the definitive Tomatin style. This is 46% ABV and 6,000 bottles are available.
We enjoyed this but don’t quite have the palate for picking up all the nuances listed on the tasting notes but it obviously has vanilla flavours from the bourbon casks. Considering the name ‘Metal’ we found it to be soft and light with a creamy sweetness – think of Tunnock’s tea cakes perhaps! Next time we shall pair the whisky with some of our favourite tea time treats!
Tomatin 5 Virtues – 5th phase: Water
The fifth and final release ‘Water’ deliberately employs winter-distilled spirit where reduced contact with the copper stills adds to the final flavour. The water comes from the natural year-round private water source at the distillery and this is matured in a combination of sherry butts and bourbon barrels. The alcohol content is also 46% and 6,000 bottles are available.
Again, we found this to be a soft whisky with no harsh flavours. It’s more fruity than the previous whisky with a rich orange marmalade feel but still has sweet chocolate/caramel notes – think more of a Crunchie bar or McCowan’s Highland Toffee this time!
It also has a longer, more oily finish, or as we say at home “it’s got legs”!
Both whiskies would make an excellent addition to any collection and if you can get your hands on all 5 then you’ve got yourself an almighty collection! Metal and water retail for £50 each for a 70cl bottle on the Tomatin website. Click to explore the rest of the Tomatin Five Virtues series.
Disclaimer: we received free miniature samples for the purposes of writing this article.
