Masterfully Finished: Glaschu Spirits Co. Strathdearn Tomatin 10 Year Madeira Wine Finish

1st and Foremost: For the artwork design on this Strathdearn release, we've featured the 'Viperfish', a fiberglass submarine, self-built by US Navy submariner, Dan Taylor, in the 1960's. Taylor scoured the depths of Loch Ness in his Viperfish, on the hunt for the elusive monster...

This single cask from Glaschu Spirits Co. begins with classic Tomatin fruit and honey, then receives a purposeful rest in a Madeira wine cask that deepens the profile with baked orchard fruit, orange oil, and a graceful nutty sweetness. Lively Highland character meets dessert wine richness for a dram that is equal parts bright and indulgent. Limited outturn with clear cask data.

Strathdearn is Tomatin Distillery's wholesale cask trading name, which is why our release is named as such. When we first tried this cask, we knew it would be the perfect pairing for a succulent, sweet finish, like that of Madeira wine.

This 10 year old example came to us in a refill bourbon barrel, where it spent the first 9 years maturing, before we then filled it into a first-fill Madeira wine cask, for it's final year of finishing. What was once a light, vanilla-rich whisky has transformed into a vibrant amber nectar apricot, caramel and custard. A beautiful winter warmer!

Distinctive Features of Distillation:

• Rare and Exquisite: Tomatin sits in Strathdearn in the northern Highlands, south of Inverness, where cool air and soft water help create a gentle fruit forward spirit. The distillery is known for approachable malty whiskies that shine in quality wood and for a long history of marrying ex bourbon foundations with thoughtful wine cask work. Tomatin’s style leans toward apple, pear, malt biscuit, and honey, which makes it an ideal partner for fortified wine influence.
• Exceptional Cask Influence:  Finished in a Madeira wine cask after primary maturation. Madeira contributes lifted sweetness without heaviness. Expect notes that suggest candied orange peel, apricot tart, sultana, almond brittle, and toffee, with a line of warm baking spice and polished oak. The finish lengthens into citrus marmalade and roasted nuts while the Tomatin orchard fruit remains clear for balance and freshness. Single cask means every bottle reflects this exact cask’s character.

Tasting Notes:

Nose

Amaretto and cinnamon sugar rise first, followed by dried apricot, baked apple, pear, and a touch of orange oil over honeyed malt.

Palate

Apricot compote and orchard fruit lead. Caramel popcorn and warm custard like a pastel de nata build mid palate, with gentle cinnamon and toasted oak.

Finish

Long and richly sticky, carrying apricot jam, almond cream, vanilla custard, and a soft oak spice that lingers.

The Whiskey Lab’s Quality Commitments:

• Single Cask: Ensuring a unique profile for each release.
• True Cask Strength: Delivered with the full intensity of flavor.
• Natural Color & Non-Chill Filtered: Preserving the authentic character and purity of the whisky