Whisky Focus - Tomatin Unveils Cù Bòcan Creation #9

Highland whisky distillery Tomatin has unveiled Cù Bòcan Creation #9, and rather oddly the whisky doesn't carry an age statement even though the distillery tells me that the whisky is more than 17 years old making it the oldest release to date in its experimental single malt series to date. This latest release in their Cù Bòcan Creation series has been inspired by the irresistible combination of sweet and salty cinema popcorn, this limited-edition Scotch whisky explores an unconventional flavour profile while offering whisky drinkers a new way to enjoy a dram.

Crafted each winter at Tomatin Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Cù Bòcan is known for challenging expectations of peated Scotch whisky through innovative cask combinations and experimental maturation techniques. Creation #9 continues that tradition, bringing together rich sweetness and savoury coastal character in a whisky designed to be enjoyed during a relaxing movie night.

The ninth release in the Cù Bòcan Creations series, Creation #9 takes its distinctive character from an unusual pairing of American virgin oak and Manzanilla sherry casks. At more than 17 years old, it is also the oldest expression the brand has released, showcasing how extended maturation and carefully selected casks can transform the character of peated Highland single malt whisky.

The majority of the spirit matured for its entire life in American virgin oak casks, an approach rarely employed over such a lengthy period. This extended maturation has developed layers of vanilla, honey and caramel, providing the whisky with a rich, sweet foundation.

The remainder of the spirit spent 13 years maturing in refill hogsheads before undergoing a further four-and-a-half-year finish in Manzanilla sherry casks. Produced from Palomino grapes in Sanlúcar de Barrameda on Spain's Cádiz coast, Manzanilla is a pale, particularly dry fortified wine renowned for its distinctive saline character. The influence of these casks introduces savoury coastal notes, alongside salted caramel and toasted almond, balancing the sweetness imparted by the virgin oak.

Together, these contrasting maturation influences create the signature sweet-and-salty popcorn character at the heart of Cù Bòcan Creation #9. The result they tell me is an unconventional flavour combination that demonstrates the experimental spirit behind the Cù Bòcan Creations range.

Jamie Muir, Distillery Manager at Tomatin, said: "Creation #9 set out to prove that patience pays off in the most unexpected ways.

"The American virgin oak has given the single malt its deep, sweet backbone, but it's the Manzanilla sherry cask that elevates the expression, bringing in the salty, savoury edge that balances all the sweetness.

"The result is one of the most unexpected flavours we've crafted. It’s exactly the kind of discovery that makes the Creations series so exciting, and the perfect excuse for a movie night."

The whisky's playful concept is reflected in its striking packaging. Creation #9 arrives in a bold red-and-white carton inspired by the traditional cinema popcorn box, complete with sharp diagonal detailing that reinforces its unusual flavour inspiration. Engraved contours reference both the wisps of smoke associated with Cù Bòcan's lightly peated character and the cask staves responsible for shaping the whisky during maturation.

With its combination of extended virgin oak maturation, a distinctive Manzanilla sherry cask finish and a sweet-and-savoury flavour profile, Cù Bòcan Creation #9 offers a fresh interpretation of experimental Highland single malt Scotch whisky.

Bottled at 46% ABV, Cù Bòcan Creation #9 is presented with natural colour and without chill filtration, it is a limited release of 3,800 bottles worldwide and it has a RRP of £45 which isn't bad for a 17 year old whisky in today's market even though the bottle and box doesn't carry an age statement. The whisky will be available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

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