Tomintoul 2009 SMWS 89.22

Over the past two years, Angus Dundee Distillers has achieved something remarkable: successfully elevating two previously obscure distilleries into the global spotlight. This strategic initiative has enabled consumers worldwide to access exceptional single malt whiskies at remarkably accessible price points, while simultaneously driving exponential sales growth for the distilleries. However, Angus Dundee's business model extends far beyond brand building. The majority of whisky produced at their distilleries is allocated to blended Scotch production—both for their proprietary blends and for private label contracts supplying major international retailers and global markets. Additionally, the company maintains a robust bulk export business of semi-finished spirits, including blended Scotch, blended malt, and blended grain whiskies. Founded in 1998 by Terry Hillman, who at 86 remains an active board member, the company's daily operations are now managed by his children, Aaron and Tania Hillman. Tomintoul Distillery represents the crown jewel of this portfolio. The facility is equipped with a 12-ton semi-lauter mash tun, six stainless steel fermentation washbacks with a 56-60 hour fermentation period, and two sets of copper pot stills. Operating at maximum capacity, the distillery produces 15 mashes weekly. Its maturation infrastructure comprises 13 on-site warehouses (both racked and traditional dunnage) housing an impressive 120,000 casks. Historically producing unpeated spirit, Tomintoul introduced heavily peated whisky production in 2001, with phenol levels reaching 55ppm. The distillery also features an advanced blending center with 14 large-scale marrying vessels. Tomintoul's core portfolio includes the no-age-statement Tlàth, alongside age-stated expressions of 10, 14, 16, 21, and 25 years. The distillery's cask finish program features a 12-year-old Oloroso Sherry cask finish and a 15-year-old Port cask finish. For peat enthusiasts, Tomintoul offers the unaged Peaty Tang and a 15-year-old peated expression, complemented by the heavily peated Old Ballantruan range available in 10 and 15-year-old variants. Recent limited releases showcase the distillery's heritage stocks, including a 1977 single sherry cask, a 1973 double cask vintage, and the Tomintoul Ultimate 1965—an ultra-premium expression from one of their oldest casks.