Cù Bòcan From Tomatin Back In Limited 1989 Vintage Release

The Tomatin distillery, which last year launched its now popular Cù Bòcan whisky complete with a spooky backstory, recently debuted its first limited edition run of this offering. Known as Cù Bòcan 1989, only 1,080 bottles of this vintage are available.

Cù Bòcan 1989, according to the distillery, was aged for 25 years in three casks. Said to have been “lurking quietly” in the Tomatin’s Warehouse 9 during this time, it is a “rare and unintentional” production of peated Scotch that was bottled at a cask strength of 53.2% ABV and, like the more general release, is named after a mythical Scottish Highlands hellhound.

Matured in bourbon casks and non-chill filtered, tasting notes from the distillery for this expression are below. If you can find a bottle, expect to pay around $340.

Nose: The initial smoke is light, like distant burning kindling and has a heathery character which quickly gives way for fresh fruits – pear accompanied by citric lime zest and sweet pineapple. After time in the glass it becomes much sweeter with honey, vanilla, coconut and custard. Herbaceous notes of basil and rocket.

Mouth: The smoke and the floral heather notes are more prominent on the palate. Sweet abundance of fresh fruits; orange and grapefruit followed by blackberry and blueberry. Some ginger and clove spice is also hidden in the background.

Finish: Very smooth with a long lasting earthy, yet sweet smoke.