Tamnavulin 12 Years Old

This official Tamnavulin single malt matured to 12 year old and bottled at 40%. Tamnavulin was established in 1966 in Glen Livet, beneath the Cairngorms; it was relaunched as a single malt in 2016. It stands on the site of a 16th century carding mill; the name means mill on the hill, and the old water wheel survives.

Distilled on limestone filtered spring water for a delicate make, building the smooth Speyside style it is loved for. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Still young, the malt is light and fruity with a gentle lift. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, the wood adding much of the character. Purifiers on the spirit stills keep only the lightest vapours, for a delicate spirit. Water is drawn from the Easterton Spring, filtered through limestone. The distillery is now owned by the Philippine Emperador group through Whyte and Mackay. Its modern range leans on cask finishes, the motto single malt, double flavour.

At 40% it is smooth and fruity. A light, fruity sweetness meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run apple, honey and a soft spice. Apple, honey and oak draw out the close. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.