Tamnavulin debuts Port Cask Edition in major mults

Tamnavulin Distillery has added a whisky finished in port casks to its core range.

Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition (rsp: £35/70cl) was a “versatile whisky” that shone when “savoured neat” as well as in classic cocktails, the Speyside whisky producer said.

The tipple has landed in Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and will hit Asda stores on 17 October.

A process of double cask maturation, first in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and then in former tawny port casks from the Douro Valley, created a whisky that was “irresistibly sweet, velvety smooth, and teeming with complex flavours”, said Tamnavulin.

“Visually arresting with its deep mahogany hue, this whisky captivates from the very first pour,” said master distiller Kirsty Hodge. “The nose reveals ripe red berries, plums, and dark chocolate, delicately layered with notes of rose syrup, sweet biscuit and spiced orange.

“On the palate, it unfolds into a rich medley of honeyed poached pears, berry compote, dried fruits, and creamy caramel, unveiling a nutty finish.”

Tamnavulin Distillery was established in Speyside in 1966. The original distillery was closed in 1995, but revived under the stewardship of United Spirits, which acquired Tamnavulin as part of its purchase of Whyte & MacKay in 2007.

Whyte & MacKay was subsequently sold on to Philippines-based Emperador in 2014.