The Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition is the latest single malt whisky to be added to the Double Cask Matured core range of the Speyside distillery. The Tamnavulin Port Cask Finish sees ageing begin in American oak ex-bourbon barrels before being transferred for a finishing period to ex-Tawny Port casks. These were sourced from the Douro Valley in Portugal. The whisky has been created by Kirsty Hodge, the Master Whisky Maker at Tamnavulin, and joins the Double Cask, Red Wine Cask Edition, Sherry Cask Edition and White Wine Cask Edition.
The Tamnavulin distillery is located in the hamlet of Tomnavoulin and sits on the banks of the River Livet near Ballindalloch in the Speyside region of Scotland. It was opened in 1966 by the Tamnavulin-Glenlivet Distillery Company, a subsidiary of Invergordon Distillers Ltd. The name of the distillery translates as ‘the mill on the hill’ from local Gaelic.
Tamnavulin was closed for 12 years between May 1995 and July 2007. It was reopened by Whyte & Mackay who remain as the owners, albeit as part of the wider Emperador Inc. group. The distillery has a capacity of 4.3 million litres a year, although most is allocated for blending contracts. This will change as Tamnavulin becomes more popular as a single malt.
The Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition is bottled at 40% ABV. It will initially be launched in UK supermarkets including Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco before a wider release to whisky specialists and other global markets in early 2025. A bottle will cost £35.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is a deep coppery amber and the nose is vibrant, rich and fruity. Initial aromas of baked apple and spiced plum compote rise from the glass, along with something floral – this is reminiscent of citrus blossom and a hint of rose petal. Then come further aromas of milk chocolate and malted barley, which sit alongside some dark dried fruit (think of prune and raisin especially) and caramel. It is a very promising start.
On the palate this whisky is soft and gentle with a lovely initial sweetness and fruity quality. Notes of creamy toffee, sugary butterscotch and that baked apple from the nose lead they way and drive the flavour profile. These characteristics are quickly joined by further fruitiness – imagine poached pear in red wine, plum compote and milk chocolate coated raisins. A hint of bitter orange oil and burnt orange peel also come through with time. Further sweetness is added with suggestions of heather honey and golden syrup.
Sitting underneath everything is a distinct malty note – this is reminiscent of good oat biscuits and a malted drink such as Ovaltine. This gives great structure and depth, and supports the sweeter and fruity elements well. A pinch of cocoa powder and some gentle festive spices also sit in the background – think of cinnamon bark, powdered ginger and a hint of clove. Something nutty and slightly drying comes through right at the end. This makes one think of toasted walnut.
The finish is of decent length but becomes a little hot and peppery towards the end. The distinct fruity and sweet notes fade first, which leaves the malt and gentle spices to show themselves fully. The late nutty character also comes through and this makes the finish slightly drier than expected, especially when combined with the white pepper heat.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a lovely single malt whisky. Not the most complex but highly enjoyable and drinkable. The ex-Port casks have had a delicious influence here and added some fine fruity and sweet characteristics. Maybe it is the time of year that we are reviewing this, but it feels very festive – a dram of Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition would go superbly well with a mince pie (or two) or as an accompaniment to a good cheese board.
The price is also very attractive – you get plenty for your money for £35 and can probably find it cheaper than that on deal somewhere. A great ‘bang for your buck’ whisky and one that feels like a real treat.
