The Gordon & Macphail ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ range of malt whiskies is a brand of unusual single malt whiskies, distinguished by their labels, which indicate the region from which they come. The Connoisseurs Choice Tomatin 1988, by virtue of it’s 2005 bottling date, is a 17 year old malt whisky from the central highlands region of Scotland. Founded in 1897 Tomatin was the first Scottish Distillery to be wholly owned by a Japanese company. At the height of the whisky boom (1973 to 1984), Tomatin was the biggest malt distillery in Scotland and one of the largest in the world, with production as high as five million gallons a year and 23 ‘stills’ in operation. Production was primarily as a filler to be used in numerous well known blends, however when demand fell away in the early 1980’s production was dramatically cut back and by the year 2000 only a dozen stills were still in place.
Tasting Note
Colour: Light Gold
Undiluted Nose: Sweet – crème brulee, chocolate toffees and fudge. Spicy, earthy notes. Pine Resin.
Palate: Sweet with spices – leather, roasted malt, turns slightly herbal – real ale.
With Water Nose: Leafy with cereal aromas, sweetness slowly develops along with a menthol note.
Palate: Rich spices and herbal flavours with a subtle sweetness.
Whitehaven wines was formed in 1993 by Greg and Sue White, and winemaker, Simon Waghorn. Their aim was to establish a winery in Marlborough producing premium quality varietal wines. To achieve this they have brought together a leading New Zealand winemaker, a dedicated group of growers, and a small modern winery facility where top quality fruit can receive the 'hands-on' treatment that i
