Some time ago I reviewed a Tamnavulin 1992 from Cadenhead and said this whisky didn’t really exist as a single malt until the Tamnavulin Double Cask was launched some time ago. It is the first official bottling in more than 20 years.
Tamnavulin distillery changed hands in 1993 from Invergordon Distillers to Whyte & MacKay and was silent between 1995 and 2007 for renovation and upgrades.
Double Cask was initially matured in bourbon barrels and has been finished in sherry butts. It is the only expression for the foreseeable future, although they are sitting on some stocks that go back to the founding of the distillery in 1966.
Tamnavulin Double Cask (40%, OB 2017)
Nose: easy honey and vanilla notes, as well as some light sherried notes (cinnamon, faint hints of chocolate, almonds). Bright hints of stewed apples and faint polished notes. Very light sherry character, but not bad.
Mouth: low intensity, yet it comes with a fairly spicy and oaky edge. Liquorice, ginger, slightly bitter oranges and clove. Green plums. Hints of caramel coated grain cookies.
Finish: fairly short and limited complexity. Grainy notes, light pepper. A tad rough.
We shouldn’t expect miracles at this price point. Like most White & MacKay products it comes at a very weak ABV and it’s coloured with caramel. That said, it is a small step up from blends that aren’t necessarily cheaper. Decent choice for those on a budget. Around € 35, down to € 27 at Master of Malt.