Tamnavulin 1979
$1,149.99
According to the Malt Whisky Yearbook, Tamnavulin is the fastest growing single malt in Scotland. While historically much of the distillery's production has ended up in Whyte & Mackay blends, it seems as though there's a new vision for the brand. With a capacity of about 4.2 million litres, we should soon be seeing a lot more Tamnavulin. Sadly, the core range is rather lean, but there was also a decade long stock gap from the mid-90s through mid-2000s, so a lot of the spirit is really just coming into its own. Imagine our surprise when this 2018 Taiwan-exclusive bottling appeared in our market. Apparently, this was the last batch they had left from the 1970s. It was matured in a combination of first fill Sherry butts and Bourbon barrels. In their own words: "Initially matured in Bourbon barrels then transferred to 30 Years Old Matusalem Oloroso Sherry butts before being returned to First Fill Bourbon barrels for a final maturation period to conclude the 39 year maturation."
Just gonna say it: this price is way too low.
Non-chill filtered, and bottled at 46.5% abv
Whiskyland Ch.31 Tamnavulin 34 Year
$964.99
48.7% - 1991 - First Fill Sherry Hogshead - 90.14pts, Whiskybase
Producer Description
"BEWARE: there are unexploded ordinance dotted throughout the landscape of Whiskyland. True Sherry bombs are scarce, but when you do happen to stumble across one, they can be detonated with the simple pulling of a cork and the results... well, just ask these discombobulated Dramblegeeks! If you are going to 'pull the pin' on this outrageous 1991, 34 year old Tamnavulin that has en-sultrified itself all its wood-clad years in a 1st fill sherry hogshead of epically old school proportions, then please do so from a safe distance, wearing appropriate dramming gear and be prepared to get 'properly walloped' by luscious old school sherry characteristics."
Tamnavulin Double Cask
$58.99
Relatively speaking, Tamnavulin is a baby. The distillery was only founded in 1966, and a core range wasn't even a twinkle in the owners' eyes until just a couple years ago. It's almost certain that most of Tamnavulin's production, even today, finds its way into the Whyte & MacKay family of blends. It's a shame really, as the distillate is good. While it would be nice to see the range expanded to include some higher age statement expressions...baby steps; we're just happy to see it finally being made available.
40%