1971 Tomatin 44 YO 45.8%

Following the launch of the Tomatin 44 Year Old earlier in the month, I finally have a few precious bottles to offer which I wanted to run by you. FINE+RARE were lucky enough to attend the launch and safe to say, it is nothing short of stunning. This is being offered very selectively as we have just six to go around. This is the first release in a brand new series entitled the Warehouse 6 Collection – so named as the barrels have all lay undisturbed within warehouse 6, until now. A total of 252 bottles were drawn from the single barrel, with number 1 being kept by the distillery and at least another tasted on the evening, it leaves a maximum of 250 for the remainder of those lucky enough to find it. The first in a series like this is always popular as collectors late to the game further down the line seek to procure their missing gem. Being able to take ownership now is a rare chance indeed… Bottled at cask strength, which has naturally fallen to 45.8%, and having spent the entire time in a hand-picked Oloroso Sherry cask, it has been imbued with flavours of caramel, dark chocolate, coffee, walnut and all underlined by rich, dark fruits. The finish was silky smooth and incredibly long, changing all the while. An incredible whisky and one of the finest I have been lucky enough to taste in a long while. Each bottle is encased in a hand-blown crystal decanter, with a separate copper/crystal stopper - plus two crystal tumblers in which to enjoy this incredible liquid.