Tomatin master distiller’s retirement leaves award-winning legacy
Graham Eunson, master distiller and operations director at Tomatin, has announced his retirement after 34 years in the whisky industry.
Mr Eunson joined Tomatin in 2011, taking up the dual position in 2019.
In his outgoing role, he is responsible for managing operations across the distillery, warehouse, laboratory, visitor centre and stock control teams, as well as overseeing the distillery’s maturation process.
He has carefully watched over more than 156,000 casks each year, including the heritage casks in Warehouse 6 which play an integral part in crafting Tomatin’s oldest and rarest Highland single malt whiskies.
Over the past 14 years, he led the distillery to achieve a series of prestigious award wins, including ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2022.
Last year, Tomatin 18 Year Old also secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), elevating it to Platinum status.
As well as Tomatin 18 Year Old, he is responsible for crafting Tomatin’s flagship single malt whisky, Legacy, and experimental lightly-peated single malt Cù Bòcan.
Mr Eunson also oversaw the relaunch of The Antiquary in summer 2024, revitalising this historic brand with the release of three exceptional age-statement blended whiskies in bold new packaging.
He will remain in post until May 30, after which date his responsibilities will be shared between Tomatin’s highly experienced team, including distillery manager, Jamie Muir, HSQE director Fiona Birkinshaw and blender and global brand ambassador Scott Adamson.
To celebrate Graham’s remarkable contribution to the Scotch whisky industry, and his enduring legacy at Tomatin Distillery, a limited-edition single malt has been released to commemorate his career, the company announced today.
The coveted Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition single malt Scotch whisky is limited to only 514 bottles worldwide.
“This extraordinary release is crafted from whisky fully matured in two exceptional casks, each representing a defining chapter in Graham’s career,” said a comany spokesperson.
“The first, a refill hogshead filled in 1990, marks the year Graham first stepped into the whisky industry. The second, a French oak barrique filled in 2011, commemorates the year he brought his expertise to Tomatin. The two casks work in perfect harmony, showcasing their own unique properties in the resulting single malt.
“Bottled at 56.1% ABV and priced at £150 RRSP, Tomatin Legacy Makers - Graham Eunson edition opens with 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.”
Mr Eunson said: “Tomatin is an exceptional distillery, and my time working here is one of the high points of my career. 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.”
Scott Adamson, Blender and Global Brand Ambassador at Tomatin, said: “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.”
With a proud heritage dating back to the 15th century, Tomatin has been a home for the current distillery since 1897.
Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition is available to purchase from the distillery website and from select independent whisky retailers.
