Graham Eunson announces retirement from Tomatin Distillery leaving remarkable legacy

Tomatin releases limited edition single malt whisky to celebrate Graham’s contribution

Graham Eunson, Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin, has announced his retirement after 34 years in the whisky industry.

Graham joined Tomatin as Distillery General Manager in 2011, taking up the dual position of Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director in 2019.

In his outgoing role, Graham is responsible for managing operations across the distillery, warehouse, laboratory, visitor centre and stock control teams, as well as overseeing Tomatin’s maturation process. Graham carefully watches 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, Graham has 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, Graham is responsible for crafting Tomatin’s flagship single malt whisky, Legacy, and experimental lightly-peated single malt Cù Bòcan. He 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.

Graham will remain in post until 30 May, 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 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.

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 Distillery. 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. 

Graham Eunson, Master Distiller and Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin, 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 whisky making team’s dedicated craftsmen and their families since the current distillery was established in 1897. 

Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition is available to purchase now from the distillery website and from select independent whisky retailers.

To purchase a bottle of Tomatin Legacy Makers – Graham Eunson edition click here