Tamnavulin 12 Years Old 2010 (Hepburn’s Choice)

This Tamnavulin was from the independent bottler Hunter Laing, a 12 year old Speyside malt from 2010 and bottled at 46%. Just 352 bottles were filled. Set on the River Livet in the Livet glen, Tamnavulin has distilled since 1966. It stands on the site of a 16th century carding mill; the name means mill on the hill, and the old water wheel survives.

It was worked through purifier stills for a clean, fruity spirit, for the light, fruity Speyside make Tamnavulin is known for. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. Younger here, it keeps a clean, grassy freshness over light honey. Refill oak lets the delicate distillery character lead, grass over orchard fruit. 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. The name is Gaelic for mill on the hill, a nod to the old mill on its grounds.

At 46% it is supple and fruity. A light, fruity sweetness meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Beneath it run apple, honey and a soft spice. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.