Tomatin master distiller Graham Eunson to retire
The master distiller of Tomatin, Graham Eunson, will retire from the Highlands-based distillery at the end of May after 34 years in the whisky industry.
Eunson joined Tomatin as distillery general manager in 2011, taking up the dual position of master distiller and distillery operations director in 2019.
Eunson will leave Tomatin on 30 May, when his responsibilities will be shared between distillery manager Jamie Muir, health, safety, quality, and environment director Fiona Birkinshaw, and blender and global brand ambassador Scott Adamson.
At Tomatin, Eunson is responsible for managing operations across the distillery, warehouse, laboratory, visitor centre and stock control teams, as well as overseeing the brand’s maturation process.
He watches over more than 156,000 casks each year, including the heritage casks in Warehouse 6 which play a key part in Tomatin’s single malt whiskies.
During his time at the distillery, Eunson has created Tomatin’s flagship single malt whisky, Legacy, and lightly-peated single malt Cù Bòcan, as well as overseeing the relaunch of blended whisky range The Antiquary in summer 2024.
“Tomatin is an exceptional distillery, and my time working here is one of the high points of my career,” said Eunson. “I joined Tomatin with the idea that we are all just custodians, and with one goal – to leave the distillery in a better place than I found it.
“Through enhanced systems and improved approaches, there is definitely more consistency now. Our first-class wood policy, which is built on knowing as much as we can about the history of a cask before it is filled, is an example of this.
“I’d like to think the legacy I’ve left is a top-notch whisky which can be enjoyed around the world in the future. I’m also proud of the fact that both of my children, Scott and Kirstie, work in the industry as well, which is fantastic to see.”
Prior to joining Tomatin, Eunson was the distillery manager at Brown-Forman’s Glenglassaugh (2008 to 2011) and The Glenmorangie Company (1996-2008).
Commemorative whisky
To celebrate Eunson’s career in the industry, the distillery will release 514 bottles globally of a new single malt: Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition.
The whisky was matured in two casks: a refill hogshead filled in 1990 to mark the year Eunson first stepped into the whisky industry, and a French oak barrique filled in 2011 (the year he started at Tomatin).
The whisky offers notes of stewed red fruits, apple crumble and strawberries and cream, leading into layers of dried mango, banana and papaya on the palate and a medium, drying yet fruity finish.
Adamson added: “Working with Graham over the years has been an absolute privilege. His skill, commitment and knowledge are second to none, and he has made a remarkable contribution not only to Tomatin, but to the whisky industry as a whole.
“The release of Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition is a celebration of his life’s work. More than a tribute, this whisky is Graham’s legacy in liquid form. He will be greatly missed at the distillery, and we wish him a long and happy retirement.”
Bottled at 56.1% ABV and priced at £150 (US$198), Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition is available to purchase now from the distillery website and select independent whisky retailers.
Related news
Scotch whisky's 10 most valuable export markets in 2024
