Tomatin Distillery

Since 1897 Tomatin Distillery has been harnessing the soft waters of the Alt-na-Frith burn to produce quality single malt and blended whisky in an area of stunning natural beauty with rich whisky making traditions dating back to 16th century. The name Tomatin translates from the Gaelic as “hill of the Juniper”, for most of its history whisky making has been an entirely illegal practice in Scotland, the wood of the Juniper gives off little smoke when burned so its traditional use to heat a still meant no tell-tale smoke-signals to alert the excise-men!

Located just outside the village that shares its name, Tomatin Distillery is 315 metres above sea level and one of the highest distilleries in Scotland. Its elevated position in the wild and windy moorland of the Monadhliath Mountain means the soft water of the Alt-na-Frith gathers very few minerals making it the perfect source to create a soft and delicate whisky.

Each week we use 120 tonnes of malted Scottish barley to produce around 50,000 litres of alcohol. A long fermentation allows soft, fruity flavours to develop before a slow distillation in our unique pot stills, with their long necks and imposing reflux chambers, ensures a delicate spirit with heavier flavours kept out.

Finally, a gentle maturation in the cool stable environment found so far above sea level allows the subtle character of Tomatin’s distinctive Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky to emerge. Our warehouses currently hold around 170,000 casks so we’re lucky to be one of only a handful of distilleries to have an in-house cooper to look after them.

Never afraid of innovation, in the 1960s Tomatin Distillery was the first in Scotland to install a full lauter mash tun. It’s still here today and, uniquely during a distillery tour, you can even stand inside it!

Tomatin Distillery is also home to Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt, the spirit for which is distilled every December using lightly peated Scottish Barley, creating a subtly smoky and surprisingly sweet whisky that explores innovative finishes; and it’s home to The Antiquary, a premium blended Scotch whisky crafted with only the finest and rarest of Scotland’s malts.

Visit Tomatin Distillery and take one of our three tours to hear the full story:

The Legacy Tour
Explore our distillery learning how we produce our award-winning whiskies and enjoy a tutored tasting of three of our single malts, Tomatin Legacy, Tomatin 12year old and Cù Bòcan Signature.

Over 18s £18, under 18s £5, under 5s free.
Allow about 1-hour 15mins

Taste of Tomatin Tour
An enhanced experience with a distillery tour followed by a tutored nosing and tasting of 6
Tomatin single malts.

Over 18s only: £35
Allow about 2 hours

Single Cask Experience
Learn the importance of cask selection with an in-depth distillery and warehouse tour concluding with a tutored nosing and tasting of 5 distillery exclusive single cask expressions. Contact the Visitor Centre to find out which casks are on currently offer.

Over 18s only: £75
Allow about 2.5 hours