Tamnavulin Vintages Collection 39 Years Old 1979

This Tamnavulin, an official release matured to 39 year old from 1979 and bottled at 46.5%. Set in Glen Livet, beneath the Cairngorms, Tamnavulin has distilled since 1966. It is now owned by the Philippine Emperador group, through Whyte and Mackay.

Distilled on limestone filtered spring water for a delicate make, building the smooth Speyside style it is loved for. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit depth to the make. At over thirty years it is rich and waxy, candied fruit, honey and old oak from the founding stock. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the fruity, honeyed core over time. A value priced single malt, it has found a wide audience since its 2016 relaunch. 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.

At 46.5% it is clean and smooth. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, Christmas cake and a nutty depth, and orchard fruit and a grassy lift sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. A ripe pear and a gentle spice lift it. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is the smooth face of Speyside whisky.