Tomatin 1990 Beinn A’Cheo Single Cask
70cl / 55.8%
£79.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
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A rare 14-year-old single cask Tomatin, distilled during the post-Japanese acquisition era and bottled at natural cask strength by the esteemed independent bottler Morrison & MacKay.
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Tomatin Distillery / Morrison & MacKay (Scottish Liqueur Centre) / Scotland, Highland |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Independent Bottling) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 14 Years Old / Distilled 1990, Bottled 2004 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 52.9% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Single Cask (Cask No. 10893), assumed Bourbon Hogshead |
| Natural Colour | Yes (No Colouring Added) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Yes (NCF) |
| Cask Strength | Yes (52.9% ABV) |
| Bottle count / Outturn | 245 Bottles (Specific to Cask 10893) |
| Intended channel | Independent Retailers and Specialist Auctions |
| Packaging | Standard single malt bottle, simple label design consistent with the 'Beinn A’Cheò' range. |
| Notes on discrepancies | This expression is defined by Cask No. 10893, yielding 245 bottles at 52.9% ABV. The bottler's name appears interchangeably as "The Scottish Liqueur Centre" (2004 bottling entity) and "Morrison & MacKay" (modern name). |
Historical Context
The distillation date of 1990 falls into the critical post-Japanese acquisition era (Takara Shuzo acquired in 1986). During this time, Tomatin spirit was primarily produced for blending purposes and was overwhelmingly unpeated, resulting in the distillery’s characteristic gentle and smooth profile. The single cask releases by independent bottlers like The Scottish Liqueur Centre in the early 2000s provided important, high-strength showcases for this vintage, pre-rationalisation stock.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
This is a specific single cask whisky that reached optimal maturity at 14 years of age. Bourbon maturation ensures the spirit retains its intrinsic fruity and gentle character. The cask strength bottling at 52.9% ABV confirms that the whisky was not diluted, maximizing flavour intensity and mouthfeel. The bottler committed to bottling these special single malts without chill-filtration or added colour.
| ABV | Volume | Cask No. | Bottling Year | Outturn (Approx.) |
| 52.9% | 70cl | 10893 | 2004 | 245 |
| 54.0% | 70cl | 10898 | 2004 | 257 |
| 55.8% | 70cl | 10889/90 | 2003 | 516 |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authenticity verification is paramount, focusing on the specific details printed on the label: the vintage year (1990), the bottling year (2004), the specific Cask Number (10893), and the Bottle Number and Outturn (e.g., Bottle No. 49 of 245). The high cask strength ensures excellent liquid preservation over time.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The terms 'Single Cask' and 'Cask Strength' are non-negotiable quality markers, guaranteeing purity, uniqueness, and maximum natural alcohol content (52.9% ABV). The commitment to releasing the whisky without added colouring or chill-filtration further ensures the maximum natural texture and flavour profile.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
- Nose: A very pleasant, bright, and fruity aroma described as a "juicy fruit salad". Key notes include vanilla, honey, and faint hints of polished oak and menthol.
- Palate: Extremely bright and fruit-forward. Flavours mirror the nose, featuring oranges, green bananas, guava, and passion fruit. This initial burst is followed by a softer wave of floral honey and caramelized almonds. The oak influence remains subtle and clean.
- Finish: Medium length, concluding with concentrated fruit flavours, citrus zest, a gentle presence of oak, and a unique hint of caraway seed.
- With water: Single malts bottled over 50% ABV typically benefit from a moderate addition of water, which would be expected to mitigate the high alcoholic prickle and enhance the release of the subtle floral and tropical fruit esters.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Tomatin Distillery is known for its light, smooth, and inherently fruity Highland spirit profile. The 1990 vintage exemplifies this pre-2002 identity. The bottler, Morrison & MacKay (formerly The Scottish Liqueur Centre), is an established independent merchant committed to bottling single casks without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Focus should be on single cask, cask strength Tomatin vintages from the period immediately following the 1986 Japanese acquisition. Specifically target the 'Beinn A’Cheò' or 'Càrn Mòr' IB series.
Red flags to avoid: Be cautious of conflicting cask data (Cask Number, ABV, Outturn).
Condition thresholds: Liquid integrity is key, protected by the high ABV. Ensure labels are legible to confirm the single cask details.
Margin/velocity expectations: Very low velocity due to scarcity, but high-margin potential exists when acquiring at auction prices and targeting single malt collectors.
