Tamnavulin 16 Years Old 2008 Cask #1013 (The Caskhound)

This is a Tamnavulin single malt, chosen and bottled by The Caskhound, aged 16 year old from 2008, drawn from cask 1013 and bottled at 49.8%. The outturn was 245 bottles. Tamnavulin was opened in 1966 during the whisky boom in the Livet glen of Speyside; it makes a light, fruity Speyside malt. It is now owned by the Philippine Emperador group, through Whyte and Mackay.

The spirit was run through purifier stills on soft Easterton Spring water, to build a clean, orchard fruit character. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper orchard fruit. The light, fruity make takes a cask finish particularly well. The light, clean make takes a cask finish particularly well. The site is home to one of Scotland's largest bat colonies. 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.

At cask strength 49.8% it is full bodied. Orchard fruit and a grassy lift sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. A ripe pear and a gentle spice lift it. Apple, honey and oak draw out the close. This is the smooth face of Speyside whisky.