Tamnavulin 40 Years Old 1968 Cask #3662 (Samaroli)

Samaroli selected this Tamnavulin matured to 40 year old from 1968, drawn from cask 3662 and bottled at 40%. 208 bottles in all. Tamnavulin was founded in 1966 by Invergordon Distillers in the heart of Speyside on the Livet, and it long supplied the Whyte and Mackay blends. Mothballed in 1995, the distillery reopened in 2007 and launched its single malt in 2016.

The spirit was made in copper pot stills with purifiers that keep the spirit light, for a light, fruity make of real charm. Maturation came in American oak, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Very old Tamnavulin turns profound, waxy and rich yet still fruity. A first fill cask works quickly on the light spirit, building flavour fast. 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 40% it is clean and smooth. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel runs under a clean, honeyed fruitiness. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it depth. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is a soft, cask finished Speysider.