Tamnavulin 1991 Whiskyland Chapter Thirty-One 34 yo

 

 

 

48,7°

Distillery : Tamnavulin - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is one of the most recent releases in the Whiskyland range, launched in 2024 by Decadent Drinks. It is a Tamnavulin distilled in 1991, before the distillery closed in 1995 and before it was taken over by an Indian consortium and reopened in 2007. It is therefore a testament to a distillery that no longer really exists, as after 12 years of closure, it is rare for whisky to be produced exactly the same way. Furthermore, it is the product of a first-fill sherry hogshead, so it is set to be a rich and fruity spirit. 208 bottles saw the light of day. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :   

Deep and dripping sherry, poached damson plums, clafoutis, fermented cherries. It is mellow, with candied and dried fruit, macerated grapes, damp wood, pine resin, treacle, stuffed figs, blood oranges, blueberry tarts, Tabasco. On the palate, the fruit is more luscious, plums, caramel, redcurrants, mandarins, strawberry coulis, it is thick, even sticky. Very pronounced and intense spices. A powerful, very long finish, earthy, woody, hot chestnuts, caramelised onions, dark chocolate and coffee, sweet potatoes, dragon fruit. 

 

In Short, 

It is indeed a Sherry Bomb, but it remains relatively well-balanced. There’s a lovely woodiness throughout, and it avoids any sulphur or even rancio notes. From the nose to the finish, I found it superb. Nothing beats a fine sherry, and this one is truly exceptional. The price is steep, but it reflects the quality and rarity of the product. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Joe Zawinul - Orient Express

Tamnavulin 2007 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 16 yo c. 700367

 

 

 

57,4°

Distillery : Tamnavulin - Speyside

Refill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Mothballed in 1995 and reopened only in 2007, Tamnavulin is not a very well-known distillery, first because of all these years of silence, then because a lot of its production goes to the Blends. And there are very few independent bottlings from this distillery. This one is a 16 year-old, raised in a Refill Bourbon Barrel, that means the distillate has everything to thrive. Only 165 bottles were produced. 

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A small deluge of fruit, white and yellow peaches, bananas and pineapples, white and red grapes, mirabelle plums, juicy pears. A touch of cereal, hay, cowshed, then mixed floral fragrances, quite pleasant, cherry blossom, tulip, daisy. Pastry cream in the background, citrus fruit, candied lemon. On the palate, it's solid but less subtle, creamy vanilla, almond milk, liquid honey, lime pulp. Discreet spices, nutmeg, ginger. Very long and explosive finish, lightly burnt chocolate fondant, walnut biscuits, semi-salted butter, cashew nuts. 

 

In Short, 

I really liked it, especially the nose, which is very fruity and floral. The palate is slightly honeyed and milky, but a little less complex than the nose. The finish is very well done, very well executed. A fine product, a credit to this distillery. What's more, the price is right, but when you have a good product at a low price, what usually happens is that it sells out quickly, and that's the case here. There are still a few German sites that do not deliver abroad, and auctions. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Marcator - Yearning

Tamnavulin-Glenlivet 2008 Cadenhead Original Collection 14 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Tamnavulin - Speyside

Bourbon Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Tamnavulin was founded in 1966 and mothballed in 1995. It was only when an Indian group took over the consortium to which it belonged that it was able to be reborn in 2007, and since then it has featured more and more prominently in both Blends and Single Malts. This bottling from Cadenhead is an opportunity to discover it. The Original Collection range brings together whiskies that are often reduced but of good composition, in this case a 14-year-old aged exclusively in Bourbon casks.

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is dominated by lemon, a shower of citrus fruits, mellow, with a lovely fullness, light acidity, sweet, on tart tatin, genoise, crème caramel, acidulated candies, white gooseberries, grapefruit. Grape pulp. On the palate, it's well made, but slightly monochrome, very enjoyable nonetheless, with hints of banana and pastry cream. A dash of vanilla, and spices, nutmeg, cumin, white pepper. Nice finish, solid, rough, relatively long, a bit sparkling, coconut slices, lemonade, green apple.

 

In Short, 

It's a success, although a little too lemony for my taste, but that's personal. It's light, well-crafted, smooth and very Speyside. My main criticism is that it lacks complexity on the palate. But it's all good, I don't see how anyone can dislike it. The price, on the other hand, I can see very clearly. It's a bit steep for this little thing.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To e Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Helado Negro - Pais Nublado