Tomatin Water Scotch Review

By Emma Briones

Rating: B-

Tomatin Water
(Credit: Emma Briones)

Tomatin has recently launched a new limited edition range, inspired by nature elements that have been key to human evolution (wood, fire, earth, metal and water). These elements integral to whisky production as well, and that is why this Highlands distillery has decided to honor them.

Tomatin’s new range is called Five Virtues and has been designed in collaboration with Scottish artist Eva Ulrich. The fifth expression in the range is Tomatin Water, representing the pure water used in the whisky process.

Tomatin Water has been aged in Sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels. Purposely, this whisky was distilled in winter when the cold weather could have, according to the distillery, reduced contact of the spirit with the copper stills, so as to enrich the final flavor.

This no-age-statement single malt has been bottled at 46% volume (92 proof) and there are only 6,000 bottles available.

The Scotch
In the glass, the whisky is dark gold, with long tears. The nose is intense on toffee, coffee, vanilla and chocolate. There are also some fruity notes, like pears and white grapes.

On the palate Tomatin Water is a silky whisky with a medium body. It starts spicy but it is quickly followed by the first aromas. There is coffee, vanilla and caramel, but also toasted brown sugar.

Its fruitier side becomes more subtle on the palate. There are pear notes that mix with blood orange. There are also some raisins and a touch of marzipan. Towards the end, subtle notes of nutmeg and malt close the dram.

The finish is lengthy, but not too intense. It highlights its sweeter side.

Tomatin Water is, contrary of what its name may suggest, a warm whisky. Quite interesting for a cold winter night. Its caramel and sherry notes will surely delight fans of classic whiskies, but I miss some more nuances.

If you’re not that into sherried whiskies,  you might want to try its brother: Tomatin Metal.

The Price
Tomatin Water is available worldwide in limited quantities through special retailers. It is retailed at 60€ ($70).