In Scotland, May marks the beginning of an exciting season for whisky enthusiasts with various whisky festivals taking place across the country. The big three being the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Feis Isle Festival on Islay and Campbeltown Whisky Festival. From the bustling cities to the picturesque highlands, whisky lovers come together to celebrate Scotland's national drink. Attendees have the opportunity to sample a wide array of whiskies, from well-known brands to small-batch producers, and engage with industry experts to deepen their understanding of this revered spirit. Whether you're a seasoned whisky connoisseur or a curious beginner, May is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and diverse flavours of Scottish whisky at these vibrant and captivating festivals.

TOMINTOUL DISTILLERY AND FIRESIDE SESSIONS WITH MASTER BLENDER IAIN FORTEATH

I headed up to Tomintoul Whisky Distillery is Speyside for a special tour with their Master Blender Iain Forteath. We toured around the distillery, stayed at their newly acquired corporate accommodation, Aultmore Estate and got to experience their Fireside Sessions which will feature at this years Spirit of Speyside Festival.

Located in the picturesque Glenlivet Estate within the Speyside region of Scotland, Tomintoul Whisky Distillery, known as the Gentle Dram, stands as a testament to the rich tradition and artistry of Scotch whisky production. Founded in 1964, this tranquil distillery boasts traditional copper pot stills and a commitment to crafting smooth and flavourful single malts. The surrounding landscape of rolling hills and pure water sources lends a unique terroir to the whiskies produced here, resulting in expressions that are both elegant and distinctive.

Master Distiller, Robert Fleming, who is a fourth generation Speyside distiller, has been the custodian of Tomintoul for more than 30 years. It's Robert, Iain and their dedicated and passionate team who are responsible for handcrafting every drop of Tomintoul Single Malt. They use traditional production techniques that stretch back hundreds of years, to handcraft a wide range of award-winning Tomintoul Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

As we followed Iain through the distillery, the air became sweeter with the aroma of whisky in the making. We were led through each stage of the whisky-making process, from mashing to fermentation and distillation.

You’ll be in awe of their four copper stills, working their magic and transforming the liquid into pure golden whisky. It’s also a very good spot to enjoy the Tomintoul 16yo which is now my preferred dram. It’s ever so smooth and gentle, well balanced, sweet and creamy.

A highlight of the tour was the warehouse, where row upon row of barrels are aging to perfection. (Tomintoul have over 120,000 barrels of whisky in the making!). We talked about bungs, copper dogging and partook in more dram drinking!

Out of the cold warehouse and back inside, four beautiful whiskies awaited us - the Tomintoul Single Cask, the 25yo, the Cigar Malt and 12yo Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish.

My two stand-outs for me where the 12yo Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish which is matured initially in ex-bourbon American oak casks and then finished in the finest Oloroso Sherry butts sourced from Andalucía, Spain resulting in rich fruity flavours and; the Cigar Malt is a combination of classic and rare peated Tomintoul Single Malts. Each of these individual single malts have been either matured fully or finished in hand-selected Oloroso Sherry butts, also sourced from Andalucía. The rich and sweet sherry notes, creamy malt profile and gentle peat smoke make this single malt the perfect accompaniment to the world’s finest cigars. (which we would enjoy round the fire later that night)

We made our way from the distillery to Aultmore House and Estate, once owned by the legendary musician Bob Dylan. This Edwardian mansion was built in 1914 and is now a Grade A listed building that houses Bob’s piano! Nestled in the picturesque Scottish countryside, this stunning property is surrounded by thick brush and rolling hills. Aultmore House exudes charm and elegance and it will only get more splendid the more its refurbished. You’re greeted by spectacular limestone staircase that winds around an entrance hall leading you through the double glass doors into the lounge complete with roaring fire and plenty of Tomintoul. There’s four reception rooms here plus seven main bedrooms with either en suite or attached baths, and five additional bedrooms in the Nursery Wing.

There’s twenty-five acres of natural and cultivated beauty here, nestled within the Cairngorm National Park with breath-taking views of the highest mountains in the UK. I’m very much looking forward to watching what Tomintoul Distillery do with this estate. The house is spectacular as are the gardens, the fountain and follies. Add to this some splendid whisky and you have a VIP money-can’t-buy experience!

After dinner we gathered around a crackling fire, with the scent of char and wood hanging in the air, bringing a sense of tranquillity and camaraderie. As the night deepened, savouring a glass of Tomintoul Cigar Malt was perfectly complimented with thick fat cigars. The amber liquid warmed us from within, echoing the gentle lick of the flames, while the cigar's fragrant smoke curled and danced around us, creating a space for bad jokes, laughter and squidgy s’mores.

Drams drank and marshmallows burnt, the night drew to a close and we all were very thankful for the extremely comfortable beds and bottled water!

What an absolute pleasure and privilege to have been invited to both Tomintoul distillery and the house. If you ever have the opportunity to visit either or both, grab it with both hands. Tomintoul is a true whisky gem in the heart of Scotland!

During the Spirit of Speyside Festival join the Tomintoul Fireside Sessions with Master Blender Iain Forteath on the 2nd and 3rd of May (4th May is sold out). Buy your tickets HERE

Tomintoul Distillery host distillery tours from April to October. Visit their website for more information.

Many thanks to Tomintoul Distillery, Iain Forteath and 3x1 Agency for the opportunity to visit Tomintoul Distillery and Aultmore Estate.

TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.

Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events),  is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.

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