Tamnavulin 25 Years Old 1977 Cask #5468 (First Cask)

This Tamnavulin was from the independent bottler First Cask, a 25 year old release from 1977, drawn from cask 5468 and bottled at 46%. Opened in 1966 during the whisky boom in Glen Livet, beneath the Cairngorms, Tamnavulin is a light Speyside malt. It stands on the site of a 16th century carding mill; the name means mill on the hill, and the old water wheel survives.

Distilled on limestone filtered spring water for a delicate make, building the smooth Speyside style it is loved for. Maturation came in American oak, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Beyond twenty years the malt grows deep and honeyed, dried fruit and oak spice over orchard fruit. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, the wood adding much of the character. 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 46% it is clean and smooth. A light, fruity sweetness meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run apple, honey and a soft spice. It finishes clean, fresh and fruity. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.