Tamnavulin 8 Years Old 2009 Cask #700628 (A.D. Rattray)

From A.D. Rattray comes this Tamnavulin, aged 8 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 700628 and bottled at 59%. 229 bottles in all. Tamnavulin was opened in 1966 during the whisky boom in the heart of Speyside on the Livet; it makes a light, fruity Speyside malt. It is one of the few distilleries that sits right on the River Livet.

The spirit was made in copper pot stills with purifiers that keep the spirit light, for a light, fruity make of real charm. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. At a youthful age the orchard fruit is lively and the malt soft. Long, gentle ageing turns the orchard fruit towards honey and soft spice. 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.

Undiluted at 59%, it is layered. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with pear, hay and a floral lift. The texture is light and smooth, the fruit lifted by honey. Honey and orchard fruit see out the finish. This is the mill on the hill malt of Glen Livet.