The peated range of Tomatin, Cù Bòcan, was relaunched in 2019, and now its 5th release is available. As with previous releases, Creation no. 5 underwent an uncommon finish, maturing in Colombian Andean oak casks. This is the first time a Scotch single malt has matured in this type of cask, which may explain why it was unfamiliar to me. 
Andean oak comes from the Cordillera region, located in the Andes mountains, Columbia, growing at a high altitude of no less than 3500-4000 meters! The climate in this area is tropical, yet cold and very humid. You can imagine that this has an effect on the oak and thus gives off a certain and unique taste. It is said to be aromatic and floral but also tropical and fruity. And that sounds like music to my ears! Let’s have a taste, shall we?
This Cù Bòcan edition was first matured in refill American oak hogsheads and then further matured in Andean oak casks for slightly over a year.
Cù Bòcan Creation no. 5 tasting notes:
Nose: immediately I get a whiff of eucalyptus, quickly accompanied by some sweetness. Honey and sweet peaches come to mind. There is a light hint of smoke in the background, followed by a floral note. As time goes on, the sweetness moves more toward wine gums.
Taste: more smoke than the nose suggests. The eucalyptus is back, but also the lovely sweetness of honey and peaches. Even the floral note can be found here, but just a hint. Moreover, there’s a sugary note, that’s followed by oranges. Toward the end, I get a hint of charred oak. Black pepper and cloves, adding a hint of spice.
Finish: mid-long with smoke, eucalyptus, cloves, and black pepper.
A nice addition to the Creation series, and the finish has paid off quite a bit, as it’s rather noticeable. While a longer finish in these casks may have been overwhelming, this works very well.
Bottle provided by Tomatin
