If you’re a fan of a Speyside whisky, the chances are you’ve already tried a single malt from Tamnavulin. This year, Tamnavulin distillery commemorates its 60th anniversary, giving us all a great excuse to pour a dram in celebration.
Tamnavulin distillery is located in the heart of Speyside, close to the River Livet. Back in the 16th century, the site was home to a carding mill that used a wooden waterwheel to power machinery that prepared textiles for spinning. The use of the site might have changed, but the mill that gave the distillery its name (Tamnavulin means “the mill on the hill” in Gaelic) and the water wheel remain and are a proud feature of each and every Tamnavulin label.
The distillery first opened its doors in 1966 to satisfy demand during a whisky boom. The road was not an easy one, and with the industry downturn in the mid 1990s, the distillery fell silent.
Thankfully, that wasn’t the end of the Tamnavulin story, and in 2000, as the tide of whisky demand was turning, the distillery mash tubs began churning again. In 2007, after a major refurbishment, the distillery was once again in full flight.
In 2010, the decision was made to change the still shape. The changes took the sweet, fruity and smooth single malt towards the richer, deeper style that is now its signature.
On the 50th anniversary of the distillery’s opening, Tamnavulin relaunched into the UK market, taking its place on retail shelves and in whisky drinkers’ liquor cabinets. Now, ten years later, the brand is winning fans with its wine cask editions and light Speyside style. Its affordable price tag makes it an extremely accessible whisky, too. But don’t let it fool you – even a whisky aficionado will find this delicious dram highly drinkable.
The mainstays of the Tamnavulin line-up include the Double Cask Edition and the Sherry Cask Edition, but for something wonderfully seasonal, the Port Cask Edition and the White Wine Cask Edition are my personal favourites.
Summer season whisky: Tamnavulin White Wine Cask Edition
If you want a whisky that has some strong summer vibes, then the White Wine Cask Edition
from Tamnavulin should not be missed.
Full of floral notes, sweet, juicy honeydew melon, and vanilla, it has a balanced sweetness that is both surprising and delightful. It is smooth and fruity, and makes a great sundowner dram on a hot summer evening, and is particularly good over ice or mixed with very chilled soda for a long, refreshing drink.
Christmas in a glass: Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition
Whisky is often thought of as more of a winter spirit, packed with spices and darker fruits that give a warmth as you drink it. That’s definitely not always the case, but Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition does have a Christmas feel to it.
The Port Cask Edition takes the warming, winter feel to a richer level, with the raisins and berries mingling beautifully with the chocolate notes to bring you a touch of festive reminisce in every mouthful. Finished in a tawny port cask, the flavours are immediately identifiable, bringing richness and depth to this beautiful amber spirit.
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