Tamnavulin 13 Years Old 2009 Cask #800484 + 800485 (Hannah Whisky Merchants Ltd)

Hannah Whisky Merchants Ltd bottled this Tamnavulin single malt, a 13 year old release from 2009, drawn from cask 800484 + 800485 and bottled at 51.9%. Only 554 bottles were released. Established in 1966 on the banks of the River Livet, Tamnavulin is a light Speyside malt. Water comes from the Easterton Spring, filtered through the surrounding limestone.

It was drawn off stills whose purifiers lift only the lightest vapours, for a delicate, floral spirit. A virgin oak cask gave vanilla, baking spice and coconut. By this age the light spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a soft honey. The cool Speyside climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. 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. Tamnavulin stands on the site of a 16th century carding mill, its old water wheel preserved on the label.

At cask strength 51.9% it is full bodied. The virgin oak gives vanilla, baking spice and coconut, and a gentle vanilla from the wood, with apple, pear and a soft honey. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish runs light, fresh and gentle. This is a clean, fruity malt from the Livet glen.