Tamnavulin ‘The Old Mill’ – Special Reserve 18 Years Old 1968

A distillery bottling of Tamnavulin, an 18 year old Speyside malt from 1968, drawn from cask 2528 - 2531 and bottled at 40%. Only 1506 bottles were released. Tamnavulin was founded in 1966 on the banks of the River Livet; it is named for the old mill that stood on its site. Water comes from the Easterton Spring, filtered through the surrounding limestone.

It was drawn off stills whose purifiers lift only the lightest vapours, for a delicate, floral spirit. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the light character to the fore. Around the mid teens the malt gains a fuller fruit while staying light. The cool Speyside climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. Tamnavulin sits in Glen Livet, close to Glenlivet, Braeval and Tomintoul. 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% it is gentle. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with apple, pear and a soft honey. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. Honey and orchard fruit see out the finish. This is a clean, fruity malt from the Livet glen.