Tamnavulin Double Cask Single Malt Whisky

Today I look at the Tamnavulin Double Cask Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, produced at one of the younger Scottish whisky distilleries. The Tamnavulin distillery was built in 1966, mainly to supply the booming market for whisky to use in blends including Whyte & Mackay and Mackinlay’s.

Tamnavulin distillery was built on the remains of a wool mill, and Tamnavulin is a translation of the Gaelic for ‘mill on the hill’. The water used is from underground springs in the neighbouring hills.

The distillery changed hands a few times and spend some time closed. It ended up in the Emperador/ Whyte & Mackay stable together with Jura and Dalmore.

Also Read: Springbank 18 yo Whisky

In 2016, Tamnavulin was re-launched in the UK as a single malt brand. It marks the 50th anniversary of the distillery. The Tamnavulin range also includes a  Sherry cask edition, a red wine cask edition as well as a Vintage Collection.

The Tamnavulin Double Cask single malt whisky is the first official release from the distillery in more than two decades! It is first matured in American oak barrels before a finishing period in sherry casks.

Tamnavulin Double Cask Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Amber gold.

NOSE: An unusual nose. It took me a while to identify the notes. Fermented grapes, wet moss with bits of caramel sweetness. Some alcohol notes floating around—something like mouldy bread in the background.

PALATE: Oak, pepper with bits of caramel, lemon and tobacco. Not a very complex whisky. Adding water renders it flat and one dimensional. Water brings the honey sweetness to the front and softens the oak and pepper notes.

FINISH: Drying oak and pectin.

RATING: GOOD

I have seen very positive reviews on this release, and I was excited to try it. However, it left me disappointed. I saw people mentioning flavours including chocolate mousse, brownies and marzipan. I am wondering if there is something wrong with my bottle.

According to the reviews, I could look forward to Christmas pudding and some fruit, but could not find any of these in my glass; I did not even want to finish my drink. Sadly, I think this bottle of Tamnavulin will be in my collection for quite some time.

It retails for an affordable £30 on Amazon, and perhaps I should go give some of the other expressions a try before judging to harshly.

Also Read: Glen Scotia Double Cask Whisky