Tomintoul Glenlivet 12-year-old single malt limited edition "perfume bottle" + presentation box.

Tomintoul Glenlivet 12-year-old single malt limited edition "perfume bottle" + presentation box.

Condition: Collector-Please note as this is a vintage/rare/limited edition bottle, conditions of bottle/label and liquid level can vary - Some years can vary and as estimations only (example: estimated 1970s/80s).
Fill level: On the shoulder.

Whisky still produced: No.
Category: Single malt. 
Distillery: Still producing. 
Bottler: Whyte & Mackay
Bottling series: Fluted glass bottle with a large gold screw cap, presented in a matching box.
Bottling Year: 1980s
Stated Age: 12 years old.
Cask type: Not stated. 
Strength: 43.0 % Vol.
Size: 700 ml
Colouring: Unknown.
Bottle code: None.
Country Origin: Scotland.
Market: Worldwide.

Tomintoul Glenlivet 12-Year-Old Single Malt "Perfume Bottle" Edition is a distinctive and collectible whisky from the late 1980s to early 1990s. Produced under the ownership of Whyte & Mackay, this edition is renowned for its unique fluted glass bottle, reminiscent of a perfume or aftershave bottle, which has made it a sought-after item among collectors.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Malty and mentholated with toasty notes, hints of smoke, Earl Grey tea, butterscotch, honey, and floral nuances like chamomile.

• Palate: Firm and malty with caramel, bubblegum, marshmallow, grenadine, honey-coated nuts, violet sweets, and vanilla fudge.

• Finish: Medium-long, malty, grainy, and fudgy, reminiscent of well-aged blends.

Tomintoul – Glenlivet Distillery History;

The Tomintoul Distillery, often labelled historically as Tomintoul-Glenlivet, is a modern Speyside distillery known for producing smooth, approachable single malts. Despite being a relatively young distillery by Scotch standards, it has earned global respect for the elegance of its spirit and its proximity to the Glenlivet estate. This edition is considered a collectible due to its unique bottle design and limited availability. Prices can vary based on condition and market demand, but it has been listed around £245 in recent years.

Overview

• Full Name: Tomintoul Distillery

• Pronunciation: "Tom-in-TOWEL"

• Region: Speyside (Ballindalloch, Scotland)

• Founded: 1964

• Water Source: Ballantruan Spring

• Current Owner: Angus Dundee Distillers (since 2000)

Origins and Location

Named after the nearby village of Tomintoul, one of the highest villages in the Highlands, the distillery lies within the scenic Glenlivet estate, which is why early bottlings were often labelled “Tomintoul-Glenlivet.” The Glenlivet name historically signified quality and helped build brand recognition—until legislation limited its use outside the original Glenlivet Distillery.

Founding and Construction

• Founded by: Hay & MacLeod and W. & S. Strong (whisky blenders)

• Built to: Supply malt whisky for blends

• Designed by: William Delmé-Evans, a well-known distillery architect and engineer who also worked on Jura and Glenallachie

Delmé-Evans designed Tomintoul for efficiency and cleanliness, with a semi-modern layout well ahead of its time.

Ownership Timeline

Whyte & Mackay is a prominent Scottish whisky company with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Here's an overview of its development:

Founding and Early Years

• 1882: James Whyte and Charles Mackay established the company in Glasgow as whisky merchants and bonded warehousemen. They introduced their first blended whisky, Whyte & Mackay Special, which gained popularity in the UK and other English-speaking countries.

• Pre-1882: The company's roots trace back to 1844 with Allan & Poynter, a business managed by James Whyte before forming the partnership with Mackay. 

Expansion and Distillery Acquisitions

• 1960: Merged with Mackenzie Bros, owners of The Dalmore distillery, marking its first distillery acquisition.

• 1973: Acquired Fettercairn and Tomintoul distilleries, expanding its production capabilities.

• 1993: Purchased Invergordon Distillers, adding Jura and Tamnavulin distilleries to its portfolio.

Ownership Changes

• 1972: Acquired by Sir Hugh Fraser’s Scottish & Universal Investments.

• 1981: Taken over by Lonrho Ltd.

• 1988: Purchased by Brent Walker.

• 1990: Sold to American Brands.

• 2001: Management buyout led to the formation of Kyndal Spirits.

• 2003: Rebranded back to Whyte & Mackay.

• 2007: Acquired by United Spirits, a subsidiary of India's UB Group.

• 2014: Sold to Philippines-based Emperador Inc. for £430 million.

Brand Portfolio

Whyte & Mackay's portfolio includes:

• Blended Scotch Whiskies: Whyte & Mackay Special, Whyte & Mackay 13-Year-Old, and other expressions.

• Single Malt Whiskies: The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn, Tamnavulin.

• Other Spirits: Glayva liqueur, Vladivar vodka.

Global Presence

Today, Whyte & Mackay operates under Emperador Inc., focusing on both traditional Scotch whisky markets and expanding into emerging markets. The company continues to innovate while maintaining its heritage in whisky production.

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