Tamnavulin 15 Years Old 2008 Cask #5544 (BB&R)

Single malt Tamnavulin, an independent Berry Bros & Rudd bottling, a 15 year old Speyside malt from 2008, drawn from cask 5544 and bottled at 52.8%. Just 308 bottles were filled. Set on the River Livet in the Livet glen, Tamnavulin has distilled since 1966. For decades its malt fed the Whyte and Mackay blends rather than single malt.

It was worked through purifier stills for a clean, fruity spirit, for the light, fruity Speyside make Tamnavulin is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Past a decade the fruit deepens into honey, soft spice and a fuller body. Racked warehousing on site gives a steady maturation in the glen. Tamnavulin stands on the site of a 16th century carding mill, its old water wheel preserved on the label. It is one of the few distilleries to sit right on the River Livet. For decades the malt fed the Whyte and Mackay blends rather than single malt.

At cask strength 52.8% it is full bodied. Green apple and a soft vanilla sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is fresh and clean, the fruity spirit shining through. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is Tamnavulin's smooth, fruity Speyside style.