Tomatin’s master blender Graham Eunson has announced that he will retire at the end of May, bringing an end to more than 30 years working in the whisky industry.
Eunson joined Tomatin as general manager in 2011, before taking on the joint roles of distillery operations director and master distiller in 2019. His 34 year whisky career included spells at Glenglassaugh Distillery and The Glenmorangie Company from 2008 to 2011 and 1996 to 2008 respectively.
During his time at the distillery, Eunson has been largely responsible for shaping Tomatin into the distillery and brand awe know today. As well as revamping the Tomatin core range - including introducing the incredibly popular Legacy expression -, Eunson created the distillery’s lightly-peated Cu Bocan range and oversaw the relaunch of The Antiquary brand in 2024.
In addition to managing Tomatin’s distillery and warehousing operations - which included watching over more than 156,000 casks per year -, Eunson was also responsible for the distillery’s visitor centre.
Succeeding Eunson will be no small feat. His responsibilities will be shared by a three man team: distillery manager Jamie Muir; health, safety, quality, and environment director Fiona Birkinshaw; and blender and global brand ambassador Scott Adamson.
Reflecting on his time at Tomatin, 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.”
To celebrate graham’s legendary career, Tomatin have released a new limited edition whisky: the Tomatin Legacy Makers Graham Eunson Edition.
This whisky is drawn from two very special casks. The first is refill hogshead filled in 1990, the same year Eunson started his journey into whisky. The second was filled in 2011, his first year at Tomatin, and is a French oak barrique.
The result is a whisky boasting a profile that features notes of stewed red fruits, apple crumble and strawberries and cream on the nose, leading into layers of dried mango, banana and papaya on the palate and a drying yet fruity finish.
Speaking on Eunson’s impact on the distillery and this celebratory whisky, Adamson 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.”
Tomatin Legacy Makers - Graham Eunson edition has been bottled at 56.1% ABV. It is limited to just 514 bottles and is available now through Tomatin’s website and selected retailers with an RRP of £150.
We’ll conclude by raising a glass to congratulate Graham on his retirement - sláinte!
