Tamnavulin 10 Years Old (43%)

This Tamnavulin, an official release, aged 10 year old and bottled at 43%. Founded in 1966 in the Livet glen of Speyside, Tamnavulin is a light Speyside malt. It is now owned by the Philippine Emperador group, through Whyte and Mackay.

The spirit was run through purifier stills on soft Easterton Spring water, to build a clean, orchard fruit character. Maturation came in American oak, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Younger here, it keeps a clean, grassy freshness over light honey. The light, fruity make takes a cask finish particularly well. The name is Gaelic for mill on the hill, a nod to the old mill on its grounds. Tamnavulin sits in Glen Livet, close to Glenlivet, Braeval and Tomintoul. The light, clean make takes a cask finish particularly well. The site is home to one of Scotland's largest bat colonies. Built in the 1960s boom, its industrial buildings sit amid picturesque country. A value priced single malt, it has found a wide audience since its 2016 relaunch.

At 43% it is clean and smooth. Orchard fruit and a grassy lift sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. A ripe pear and a gentle spice lift it. It finishes clean, fresh and fruity. This is the smooth face of Speyside whisky.