Tamnavulin 25 Years Old

This Tamnavulin, an official release, a 25 year old Speyside malt and bottled at 45%. A release of 1800 bottles. Tamnavulin was opened in 1966 during the whisky boom in the Livet glen of Speyside; it makes a light, fruity Speyside malt. For decades its malt fed the Whyte and Mackay blends rather than single malt.

The spirit was run through purifier stills on soft Easterton Spring water, to build a clean, orchard fruit character. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Long ageing brings a deeper dried fruit character and a mellow oak spice. The light, fruity make takes a cask finish particularly well. 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. It is one of the few distilleries to sit right on the River Livet.

At an approachable 45% it is light and balanced. Green apple and a soft vanilla sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. It is fresh and clean, the fruity spirit shining through. Apple, honey and oak draw out the close. This is Tamnavulin's smooth, fruity Speyside style.