Tamnavulin 15 Years Old 2009 Cask #0772 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

A Tamnavulin single malt, selected and bottled by The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd, a 15 year old Speyside malt from 2009, drawn from cask 0772 and bottled at 50%. Only 300 bottles were released. Set on the banks of the River Livet, Tamnavulin has distilled since 1966. The modern range is known for its cask finishes, the motto single malt, double flavour.

It was drawn off stills whose purifiers lift only the lightest vapours, for a delicate, floral spirit. 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. Cask finishing is central to the modern Tamnavulin style, layering extra fruit. 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 a full 50% it is intense yet fruity. A gentle vanilla from the wood runs under honey, apple and a gentle spice. It is light and fruity, the fruit and oak well matched. A gently warming, fruity finish lingers. This is a fruity Speyside single malt of real charm.