Tamnavulin 12 Years Old 2009 Cask #700633 (A.D. Rattray)

This Tamnavulin was from the independent bottler A.D. Rattray, a 12 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 700633 and bottled at 55.5%. A release of 213 bottles. Tamnavulin, built in 1966 in Glen Livet, beneath the Cairngorms, is the mill on the hill. 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. Younger here, it keeps a clean, grassy freshness over light honey. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, the wood adding much of the character. 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.

At its natural 55.5% it is concentrated. A light, fruity sweetness meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run apple, honey and a soft spice. A fruity, lightly spiced finish lingers. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.