Tomatin unveils The Italian Collection: a trio of single malts finished in Italian wine casks

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 - £17,500). Now the award-winning Highland distillery, Tomatin, has unveiled an exceptional new limited-edition range, The Italian Collection.  This trio of single malt scotch whiskies (46% ABV, non-chill filtered, RRP £70) demonstrates Tomatin’s craftsmanship, combining the exceptional Highland malt with the aromatic richness of Italian wine casks, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavours.  

First laid down in December 2010, the whisky has been gently matured in traditional oak casks for 10 years, before being finished in Marsala, Amarone and Barolo wine casks for a further two years.  Each cask has imparted its unique character into the whisky, creating a trio of expressions that pay homage to Italy’s esteemed wine regions.  

The Marsala Edition opens with enticing aromas of panettone and candied lime, leading to a palate that delights in the flavours of white chocolate, lemon truffles and hazelnuts. A sweet citrus finish emerges, accompanied by notes of toasted oak. Aromas of poached pears and traditional rhubarb and custard sweets surface from

The Amarone Edition. On the palate, notes of strawberry jam, Turkish delight and light butter pastry unfold. A luxuriously rich finish boasts cinnamon-spiced red apples. 

The Barolo Edition begins with aromas of mulled wine and dark chocolate. On the palate, spiced mead intermingles with cranberry, while an undercurrent of fresh citrus, reminiscent of grapefruit, adds vibrancy. The finish is marked by light tannin and delicate sugared almonds.  

The Italian Collection is the third release from the distillery’s country-inspired ranges, which have all demonstrated Tomatin’s dedication to cask selection and their first class wood policy. On the night I was invited to the Henrietta Hotel where the whisky's were unveiled and pared with select menus from The Italian Supper Club. 

The canapes consisted of Scottish langoustine and Tomatin infused bearnaise sauce, smoked Italian sausages and spicy plum jam. (PS -if anyone from The Italian Supper Club is reading this I'd love to know where I can buy this sauce) and Polenta crostini and Scottish girolles. 

From there I went on to sample the Pasta dish; Rabbit and mortadella agnolotti with Barolo sauce, paired with Barolo wine, before the main dish which consisted of Grilled venison, fresh yeasts and barley with cauliflower puree and cherries paired with Amarone wine. (Personal favourite). 

The finish came in the form of a Tomatin soaked raisin ice cream and brioche paired with Marsala wine. 

Scott Adamson, Blender & Global Brand Ambassador at Tomatin Distillery, said:  

“The Italian Collection combines the rich tapestry of Italian wine culture with our elegant Highland single malt whisky. Italy has a historic, unrivalled passion for single malt scotch whisky, so this latest trio of releases, is a tribute to that longstanding relationship with a unique take on our traditional Highland malt. We wanted to capture the essence of Italian wine, its history, nature, landscape and traditions and weave it into our whisky, all embodied within a single glass. Each expression in this collection is a testament to the seamless blending of these two worlds, offering a truly exceptional tasting experience for whisky lovers.” 

The Italian Collection is available from the Tomatin website and select specialist retailers worldwide.  

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The Marsala Edition tasting notes: 

Nose: panettone and candied limes
Palate: white chocolate, lemon truffles and hazelnut
Finish: sweet citrus with blood orange accompanied by notes of toasted oak 

The Amarone Edition tasting notes: 

Nose: poached pears and traditional rhubarb and custard sweets
Palate: strawberry jam accompanied by Turkish delight and light butter pastry
Finish: cinnamon spiced red apple  

The Barolo Edition tasting notes:  

Nose: mulled wine and dark chocolate
Palate: spiced mead with cranberry and underlying fresh citrus in the form of grapefruit
Finish: light tannin and sugared almonds