Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition Review: A New Spin on Classic Flavors

What happens when you take a fruity whisky from the south of Speyside and finish it in Tawny port barrels? Find the answer to that question in this Tamnavulin Port Cask finish Review.

Right along the southern border of the Scottish Speyside region lies the Livet River, near the Cairngorns mountains. This is also home to the Tamnavulin Distillery. This distillery has been crafting single malt whiskies with diverse, fruity flavours that are also affordable in price.

The distillery is known for its smooth and accessible whiskies which often carry sweet, fruity notes and a hint of malt. If you're looking for smoke in your whisky, you won't find it here.

Tamnavulin whisky has first matured in barrels that the Scottish distillery typically uses for its whisky: American oak barrels. Afterwards, the whisky is finished in Tawny Port barrels.

The fortified wine from Portugal's Douro valley is known for a long maturation, after which the drink turns amber to brown. The flavours of the port range from nuts and chocolate to berries. Combined with the typical fruity style of Scottish single malt, this creates a unique flavour profile.

The new Tamnavulin whisky features a dark navy label, fitting for the box of the whisky. On the label of this Speyside single malt, all the necessary details are found, yet maintaining a simple, uncluttered look.

The box is adorned with a beautiful print showcasing the iconic watermill of the distillery. The building depicted is not the distillery itself, but the visitor centre that is currently not in use.

The Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition leads your nose on a balanced dance of aromas. Your senses are first heightened by the notes of berries and dark fruit.

This is followed by a mix of rosehips, plum jam, shaved orange peel and spices such as nutmeg and clove. There's a malt note present as well.

Amidst the harmony of scents, the influence of the Portuguese barrels is quite notable, while the distillery character has not been lost. This whisky becomes interesting for both those familiar with Tamnavulin, as well as newcomers looking for something accessible.

Likewise, in the taste, the influence of the port barrel is immediately detectable. The whisky is lightly drying on the palate as it introduces notes of dried fruit and berries. This flavour is intertwined with nutty notes and the taste of grain biscuit.

The consistency is not overly sweet, but spins a little with spicy elements and undertones of cocoa powder on your tongue. As it heads toward the medium-length finish, hints of vanilla, cinnamon and caramel emerge, before it all fades away.

Although the Tamnavulin whisky shows clear influence from the port barrels, the distillery character remains present in the single malt whisky. Although not exceptionally complex, it has become a balanced character worth contemplation.

Sweet notes have been nicely alternated with drying and slightly spicy flavours, providing a delightful balance to this Speyside whisky. Considering this bottle costs just a little over thirty euros, it's practically irresistible.

+ Smooth and accessible in terms of flavour

+ Port finish adds a nice twist to the taste

+ Very competitively priced

- Not very complex