By Leigh O’Connor, Editor.
Whisky making is in the blood of fourth-generation distiller, Robert Fleming of Tomintoul Irish Whisky.
Brought up on the grounds of an Irish distillery into a distilling community, from a young age Robert’s Dad would take him down to work where he would play in the malt barns and spend time with the shift operators going about their day.
Fast forward and Robert is now leaving his own legacy at Tomintoul – known as the Gentle Dram for its Speyside Single Malt – which nestles near the village of Tomintoul in the Scottish Highlands in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
We had the chance to chat exclusively with Robert just in time for Father’s Day this Sunday, about Tomintoul’s award-winning 10-year-old Speyside Glenlivet, which is an ideal present for the Dad who enjoys his Scotch, and his more than 30 years making whisky:
"Being a fourth-generation distiller in Speyside is an incredible honour and responsibility. Whisky making is in my blood and is a tradition that has been passed down through generations of my family,” he says. "To be part of this long history means carrying forward the knowledge, skills and values my ancestors instilled in me.
"It is about respecting the craftmanship that has made Speyside whiskies world-renowned while also ensuring we continue to innovate and adapt to modern times. There’s a deep sense of pride in contributing to this legacy and it’s a privilege to be part of a community that has shaped the global whisky landscape.”
Upon finishing school and looking to take a year out before considering university, Robert soon realised academia wasn’t for him. After a brief spell as a civil servant, a chance meeting with the Distillery Manager at Glenlivet revealed there was an opening at the distillery.
"I started there in 1974 and worked my way through every department until in 1983, I got the opportunity to join the management training scheme, spending time at other distilleries gaining valuable experience before leaving in 1990 to join Tomintoul Distillery – as they say, the rest is history.”
Robert says there have been many personal milestones and achievements during the past 34 years:
"It is especially pleasing when you see our Tomintoul whiskies in shops around the world. We have won multiple prestigious awards, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”
This year alone, Tomintoul has been awarded the Boisdale Life Whisky Producer of the Year Award, gold at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, two gold medals at the Scotch Whisky Masters, double gold at the International Spirits Challenge and gold at the world-renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Robert’s favourite way to enjoy a wee dram is in good company with family and friends.
"I prefer to savour it neat, allowing the whisky’s natural flavours to shine through. There is something special about taking the time to appreciate the aroma, taste and finish, especially when shared with others who also appreciate the craft.
"In savouring older whiskies, it is great to reminisce as to what has happened in our lives during the period the whisky has been maturing in the warehouse.”
As for the biggest mistake whisky drinkers make when enjoying a Scotch:
"Not taking the time to fully appreciate the whisky they are drinking. Scotch whisky is a complex and nuanced spirit and it deserves to be savoured. Another mistake is the misconception in thinking there’s only one ‘right’ way to enjoy whisky. I always encourage people to explore and find their own preference, whether that’s neat, with a drop of water, a cube of ice or even in a well-crafted cocktail.”
This Father’s Day, Robert will be imbibing a glass or two with all the family around enjoying special time together, having a nice meal and spending time with the grandchildren. Cheers!
To purchase a bottle of Tomintoul 10-year-old for Dad, head to Dan Murphy’s.
