ralfy review 1077 Extras – Finding value in N.A.S. whiskies.

Graham Eunson announces retirement from Tomatin Distillery leaving remarkable legacy

Tomatin releases limited edition single malt whisky to celebrate Graham’s contribution

Graham Eunson, Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin, has announced his retirement after 34 years in the whisky industry.

Graham joined Tomatin as Distillery General Manager in 2011, taking up the dual position of Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director in 2019.

In his outgoing role, Graham is responsible for managing operations across the distillery, warehouse, laboratory, visitor centre and stock control teams, as well as overseeing Tomatin’s maturation process.

Graham carefully watches over more than 156,000 casks each year, including the heritage casks in Warehouse 6 which play an integral part in crafting Tomatin’s oldest and rarest Highland single malt whiskies.

Over the past 14 years, Graham has led the distillery to achieve a series of prestigious award wins, including ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2022. Last year, Tomatin 18 Year Old also secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), elevating it to Platinum status.

As well as Tomatin 18 Year Old, Graham is responsible for crafting Tomatin’s flagship single malt whisky, Legacy, and experimental lightly-peated single malt Cù Bòcan. He also oversaw the relaunch of The Antiquary in summer 2024, revitalising this historic brand with the release of three exceptional age-statement blended whiskies in bold new packaging.

Graham will remain in post until 30 May, after which date his responsibilities will be shared between Tomatin’s highly experienced team, including Distillery Manager, Jamie Muir, HSQE Director Fiona Birkinshaw, and Blender and Global Brand Ambassador, Scott Adamson.

To celebrate Graham’s remarkable contribution to the Scotch whisky industry, and his enduring legacy at Tomatin Distillery, a limited-edition single malt has been released to commemorate his career.

The coveted Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson Edition single malt Scotch whisky is limited to only 514 bottles worldwide.

This extraordinary release is crafted from whisky fully matured in two exceptional casks, each representing a defining chapter in Graham’s career.

The first, a refill hogshead filled in 1990, marks the year Graham first stepped into the whisky industry. The second, a French oak barrique filled in 2011, commemorates the year he brought his expertise to Tomatin Distillery. The two casks work in perfect harmony, showcasing their own unique properties in the resulting single malt.

Bottled at 56.1% ABV and priced at £150 RRSP, Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition opens with notes of stewed red fruits, apple crumble and strawberries and cream, leading into layers of dried mango, banana and papaya on the palate and a medium, drying yet fruity finish.

Graham Eunson, Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin, said:

“Tomatin is an exceptional distillery, and my time working here is one of the high points of my career. I joined Tomatin with the idea that we are all just custodians, and with one goal – to leave the distillery in a better place than I found it. Through enhanced systems and improved approaches, there is definitely more consistency now. Our first-class wood policy, which is built on knowing as much as we can about the history of a cask before it is filled, is an example of this.

I’d like to think the legacy I’ve left is a top-notch whisky which can be enjoyed around the world in the future. I’m also proud of the fact that both of my children, Scott and Kirstie, work in the industry as well, which is fantastic to see.”

Scott Adamson, Blender and Global Brand Ambassador at Tomatin, said:

“Working with Graham over the years has been an absolute privilege. His skill, commitment and knowledge are second to none, and he has made a remarkable contribution not only to Tomatin, but to the whisky industry as a whole.

The release of Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition is a celebration of his life’s work. More than a tribute, this whisky is Graham’s legacy in liquid form. He will be greatly missed at the distillery, and we wish him a long and happy retirement.”

With a proud heritage dating back to the 15th century, Tomatin has been a home for the whisky making team’s dedicated craftsmen and their families since the current distillery was established in 1897.

Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition is available to purchase now from the distillery website and from select independent whisky retailers.

To purchase a bottle of Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition, visit https://tomatin.com/shop/limited-releases/graham-eunson-limited-edition/

For more information, visit https://tomatin.com.

Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition 

Nose: The influence of French oak red wine casks is immediately apparent, with notes of stewed red fruits, apple crumble, and strawberries and cream. The inclusion of lightly peated spirit adds a hint of creosote. Over time, the character of the 1990 cask develops with notes of baking spice, tropical fruits, and light floral aromas. The two casks work in perfect harmony, showcasing their own unique profiles.

Palate: Incredibly deep, though a touch drier than the nose suggests. The mix of peat smoke from the 2011 cask and the rancio-driven influence of the 1990 cask presents an earthy characteristic. From here, layers of dried mango, banana and papaya develop to create an incredibly well-rounded experience.

Finish: Medium in length and drying but with a continued fruity taste.

Notes

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin’s success continued when the distillery’s ‘Legacy’ was awarded Gold at IWSC. That same year, Tomatin also took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

At the 2024 IWSC Awards, Tomatin Legacy was awarded the IWSC Trophy for no age statement single malt Scotch, demonstrating its exceptional quality as best in class.

This year, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.

In 2025, to celebrate outgoing Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director Graham Eunson’s remarkable contribution to the Scotch whisky industry and his enduring legacy at Tomatin Distillery following his retirement, a limited-edition single malt was released to commemorate his career. Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition single malt Scotch whisky is crafted from whisky fully matured in two exceptional casks, each representing a defining chapter in Graham’s career, and limited to only 514 bottles worldwide. Graham is one of many Legacy Makers at Tomatin Distillery. Being a Legacy Maker is about more than craftsmanship; it’s about passion, dedication and a commitment to excellence that transcends time. Legacy Makers embody the values of Tomatin, contributing their skills, knowledge, and spirit to shape the future while honouring the traditions of the past. Whether through innovation, mentorship, or community involvement, they ensure that their influence endures, enriching the story of Tomatin for generations to come.

To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

MAY 2025 AUCTION HALFWAY THROUGH!

Our May auction is already at the halfway point, which is a great time to take a closer look at some of the fascinating bottles on offer, including this little stunner from Springbank. Distilled in 1974 and aged for 25 years before being bottled to commemorate Frank McHardy’s 40 years of distilling in the whisky industry. Bottle number 115 of only 610 bottles produced for the impressive milestone.

Distilled in 1990 at Speyside Distillery, aged for 10 years and then drawn from Cask #1, this is the first spirit to come from the new stills, intended to mark the arrival of the new millennium in 2000. This beautifully presented crystal decanter is housed in a Mahogany tantalus and display case accompanied with a striking booklet with all the information about the exclusive bottling and miniature housed in a metal canister. The tantalus can be locked with ornate key provided, allowing you to truly keep your bottle under lock and key! Fittingly, one of 2,000 decanters produced – decanter number 468.

Another little nod to the millennium, this bottle was distilled in 2000 at Macallan Distillery, drawn from single Cask #3241 then bottled at cask strength in 2022 by independent bottling giants Gordon & MacPhail. For decades The Elgin firm have regularly bought stock from Macallan, being a more cost effective way of enjoying an older dram from this world famous Speyside distillery.

Released in early 2025, the eighth installment of the Folio series showcases the memorable “Colossus of Nose” advertising campaign from the 1980’s, a clever play on the Colossus of Rhodes, highlighting Macallan’s description of their whisky possessing a ‘unique towering aroma’.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our May auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 18^th May from 8pm BST.

Killowen Distillery Peated Single Malt –
Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey wins Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Not only has our new Peated Single Malt – Rum & Raisin Irish Whiskey received a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, but it is also a finalist for Best of Class Single Malt Irish Whiskey. We are absolutely delighted that the newest addition to our portfolio has been so highly awarded after only a few short months on the market. The SFWSC judges its entrants via a panel of industry experts and is the oldest and most respected blind tasting competition in the world. We are delighted to have received such a prestigious accolade.

A Peaty Twist on our Classic Signature Finish – 

100% Peated Single Malt Irish Whiskey

After ageing in bourbon casks, this Peated Single Malt has been divided and finished in Killowen’s own Dark Rum Casks & PX Sherry Casks.

Proudly Sourced from GND County Louth and finished on site in Killowen Distillery, this peated single malt is the perfect compliment to the marriage of PX Sherry flavours of prunes, figs & raisins combined with rums tropical Caribbean notes of coconut & vanilla.

If you haven’t already tried this absolutely wonderful whiskey, it is available at the Duty Free in both Dublin & Cork’s Aiports, local independent off-sales and currently available on our website.

Try it here

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

The oldest expression in Jura’s new signature range, this 18 year old Island single malt is matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and enriched in Premier Grand Cru Classe red wine barriques from France. This is a verified award-winner, with prizes at major competitions including:

•  Silver – International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024

NEW ARRIVAL:
JAMESON 23 YEAR OLD

This stunning whiskey has been partly matured in oloroso sherry casks to create a luxurious palate of tropical fruits, subtle spices and warm chocolate brownies. At the heart of this remarkable blend is a fruity core of aged Irish pot still whiskey. Midleton in County Cork is the only distillery in the world with pot still whiskies of this age and maturity, making this limited-edition bottling all the more special. A Jameson blend of this age and quality would make an ideal centrepiece for any collection and an unforgettable gift for any lover of Irish whiskey.

 SHOP NOW 

Highland Laird Longmorn 17YO, 43.2%

THE REVIEW

It isn’t every day that we get our hands on a good value, old anything. The folks at Bartels Whisky are happily changing that with this rather classic example of Longmorn.

You have to really go back a good decade to see mid-teen Longmorn on the shelf for below £70 a bottle. This is such a wonderful example of how tropical, sweet and delicious Longmorn is, with an attractive price tag, from a company who are clearly here to offer good value to the whisky drinker.

Other companies could have amped this price up with a pretty box and a fancier bottle, nope, not here. We get a well age, gently oak driven Speyside that has all of the grace and style that we know Longmorn to have. I’ve left the company website below, so please do go and check out their options.

BARTELS WHISKY

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#Ardbeg #ArdbegDay2025 #ArdbegSmokiverse

 LIMITED EDITION EXPLORES A FRUITY NEW DIMENSION IN TIME FOR ARDBEG DAY

< Distillery’s first “high-gravity” whisky invites Ardbeg fans into the Smokiverse >

Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg, held annually on the last Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt, Fèis Ìle. Marking 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee, this year’s festivities on Saturday 31^st May are set to be out of this world. At the Distillery and across the globe, Ardbeg will transport smoky malt lovers’ tastebuds to a fruity new dimension, with Ardbeg Smokiverse. This limited edition will be the Islay Distillery’s first whisky crafted from a high-gravity mash, resulting in a distinctly vibrant, tropical and fruity spirit.

Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team began experimenting some years ago with the mashing process, in which malted barley is converted into fermentable sugars. One of their experiments involved reducing the amount of water used in the packed mash tun. This unconventional “high-gravity” mash magnified the intensity of flavour-active compounds known as acetate esters, leading to a fruitier, more tropical spirit. Aged in bourbon casks, this Ardbeg whisky unveils layers of muscovado sugar, ripe barley, and toasted sourdough bread, all culminating in a burst of ripe tropical fruits and sweet peat.

Dr Bill Lumsden MBE, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, said: “The first whisky we have ever made with a high-gravity mash, Ardbeg Smokiverse takes our single malt’s classic peaty character to a new frontier of flavour. By ramping up the density of our wort to new heights, we’ve drawn in fruitier, sweeter flavours from the deepest corners of the mash tun. Upon first sip, you can expect a vibrant burst of fruity, ester notes, rather like smoked bubblegum, along with aromas of barley. Then peaty notes collide with juicy, tropical fruits, before sinking into a rich depth of muscovado sugar.”

Inspired by this high-gravity mash, the Distillery will bring to life a space-inspired universe on Ardbeg Day. Committee Members and their smoky-malt-loving friends can experience the delights of high gravity in the Smokiverse: a place filled with cosmic games, space-themed cocktails, whisky tastings and smoky bites.

Jackie Thomson, Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre Manager and Ardbeg Committee Chair, said: “We’re inviting whisky fans from all corners of the world to join us – both at the Distillery, the beating heart of the Smokiverse, and beyond – to celebrate Ardbeg Day. We’re thrilled to share this whisky with smoky-malt lovers everywhere and send their tastebuds into overdrive with the release of this extraordinary new expression.”

Ardbeg Smokiverse will be available to buy exclusively from Ardbeg.com and Ardbeg embassies from 28^th – 30^th May, and will then be available from 31^st May via other whisky specialists and online retailers, RRP: £93.

For more news on Ardbeg Day 2025 and all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at ardbeg.com/en-gb/committee

www.ardbeg.com

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Ardbeg Smokiverse Tasting Notes:

ABV:      48.3%

Colour: Bright Gold

Aroma: A burst of fruity, ester notes, almost like smoked bubblegum, along with a beautiful aroma of ripening barley and toasted sourdough bread. With water, more of the smoke notes appear, but in this instance the peat smoke is very sweet and aromatic, almost reminiscent of juicy tropical fruits which have been gently smoked.

Taste:    A rich, creamy texture is followed by some sharp sooty and spicy notes, like tar, creosote, aniseed and clove, but these are tempered with a distinctive sweetness, like muscovado sugar. There are some structured, woody notes, like sweet oak and leather.

Finish: Some earthy peat moss, bonfire embers and charcoal. 

RRP: £93

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden MBE was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg 25 Years Old was named the World’s Best Scotch Whisky at the New York Wine Spirits Competition. In 2024, Ardbeg 25 Years Old received a platinum award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Best Islay Single Malt at the World Whisky Awards. 

High-gravity mashing

Gravity is a measure of a wort’s density (a wort is a liquid created during mashing). A high-gravity mash uses a more concentrated wort with more grain and less water. The more concentrated wort results in a fruitier, juicier and more tropical style of Ardbeg’s spirit.

The Glenmorangie Company

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

There are brighter days, lighter evenings and of course plenty of weekends for getting off the beaten track. Our May Outturn is now available and offers another great selection of whiskies to keep you on your whisky adventure!

CONIFERS IN THE RAIN

CASK NO. 60.34

CASK:  2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  9 years

AND ME AND MY TRUE LOVE WILL YET MEET AGAIN

CASK NO. 135.62

CASK:  HTMC new oak hogshead

AGE:  16 years

MOROCCAN MEDJOOL MYSTIQUE

CASK NO. 85.77

CASK:  1st fill PX hogshead

AGE:  15 years

OLDE FUNKEY BUTTE

CASK NO. 78.68

CASK:  2nd fill oloroso butt

AGE:  9 years

GASTRONOMIC FUSION

SMALL BATCH SINGLE GRAIN

CASKS:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrels & 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogsheads

AGE:  8 years

A DIFFERENT SHADE OF PEAT

CASK NO. 11.55

FIRST APPEARANCE FROM
THIS DISTILLERY FOR SMWS CANADA

CASK:  2nd fill charred oak hogshead

AGE:  9 years

BROWSE MAY OUTTURN HERE

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

What do 30, 13 and 11 make?  

(Whisky lovers very happy…)

Yes, we know age doesn’t matter. Much. Except, sometimes it does, sometimes a whisky has been aged to just the perfect point where it’s the best it’s ever been. Recognising that point is the hard bit. It’s also the fun bit. Whiskies age differently and are dependent on so many factors. One of the most important factors is actually owning the whiskies at the perfect time. Fortuitously we had in our possession three very interesting barrels at just the right time. Is that a lifetime of knowledge, experience and know-how on display or just dumb luck? We’ll let you decide.

For the peat lovers…

Our Ardmore 2013 Single Cask has been aged 11 Years and is cask strength, natural colour and non chill filtered, not something every Ardmore from that time can say. Happily aged in a 1st fill bourbon barrel filled with the rarer, heavily peated Ardmore. Big whisky this, great oily texture and some of the best Ardmore we’ve tasted. Label is the colour of the tiles that line the old direct fire furnaces under the stills at Ardmore.

Speyside Stages…

Speyside seldom disappoints and we hope you’ll agree our 13 year old Glen Elgin 2012 is one of Fogwatt’s better bottles. Single cask, cask strength, natural colour and non chill filtered as you’d expect from us.

Full maturation in 1st fill oloroso cask. We’d normally be careful of 1st fill sherry and delicate Glen Elgin distillate, but this was an American oak cask and it just works really well.

This has also given us the opportunity to show-off (not like us, we know). These bottles have white caps and the label represents the colour of our own 1993 BMW M3 rally car that we won(!) the 2025 Speyside Stages with in April this year. It’s been nearly 20 years since Chris and I did any form of motorsport and this is our first rally together so we thought that was a good enough reason for the label. The fact we actually won the S3 Class means you now have to buy at least one bottle, so you can bask in the reflected glory of the victory…

Glasgow Grain

Almost as old as our car is our final release, a 30 year old Strathclyde 1994 Single Grain Scotch Whisky.

As ever it’s cask strength, natural colour and non chill filtered.

Gorgeous grain from a refill sherry butt to us this conjures up tastes like marshmallow, milk chocolate and shortbread. When we combined this with our lack of geographical knowledge of Greater Glasgow there could only be one inspiration for our label; a Tunnocks Teacake. Iconic, beloved and an example of Scottish cuisine at it’s finest, and so is the teacake.

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