Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Edition Cask #30502

This Tamnavulin, an official release, drawn from cask 30502 and bottled at 40%. Opened in 1966 during the whisky boom in Glen Livet, beneath the Cairngorms, Tamnavulin is a light Speyside malt. For decades its malt fed the Whyte and Mackay blends rather than single malt.

Distilled on limestone filtered spring water for a delicate make, building the smooth Speyside style it is loved for. Maturation and a sherry finish laid dried fruit over the fruity malt. Without an age statement, the malt is clean, fruity and smooth. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the fruity, honeyed core over time. For decades the malt fed the Whyte and Mackay blends rather than single malt. Mothballed in 1995, the distillery reopened in 2007 and launched its single malt in 2016. Purifiers on the spirit stills keep only the lightest vapours, for a delicate spirit.

At an approachable 40% it is light and balanced. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, Christmas cake and a nutty depth, and green apple and a soft vanilla sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. It is fresh and clean, the fruity spirit shining through. It finishes clean, fresh and fruity. This is Tamnavulin's smooth, fruity Speyside style.