Tamnavulin 40 Years Old ElD The Single Malts of Scotland Director’s Special (Elixir)

A Tamnavulin single malt, selected and bottled by Elixir Distillers matured to 40 year old and bottled at 40.6%. Only 323 bottles were released. Tamnavulin was built in 1966 on the banks of the River Livet, and it is now owned by the Emperador group. 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. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. At over thirty years it is rich and waxy, candied fruit, honey and old oak from the founding stock. Cask finishing is central to the modern Tamnavulin style, layering extra fruit. 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.

At an easy 40.6% it is gentle. 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 long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is a fruity Speyside single malt of real charm.