TAMNAVULIN RED WINE CASK GERMAN PINOT 700ML 40%
TAMNAVULIN
$96.99
The word Tamnavulin is the Gaelic translation of ‘mill on the hill’, and the Mill on the Hill is named in-part after the former carding mill which is where the distillery is now located. And before you Google the word ‘carding’, carding is another term for the combing of wool during the woolen cloth-making process.
A bit of history first up... The distillery is quite young. It opened in 1966 at a time when there was a complete and utter whisky boon, and demand was far greater than the production. It was built by Invergordon Distillers, who then handed over to Whyte & Mackay in 1993 where they closed it down 2 years later. In 2000 they opened up again and briefly resumed production, but was promptly mothballed again. In 2007, Whyte & Mackay was bought by the Indian company United Spirits who opened up the doors again to kick-start production. Then 7 years later in 2014, United Spirits sell on Whyte & Mackay to new owners, Philippines-based Emperador for £430m
This whisky is matured primarily in American Oak casks and then finished in casks that contained German Pinot Noir red wine. The latter finishing is said to give the spirit a big hit of fruit.
Appearance: Medium amber with a reddish-golden hue. Fast & thin oily legs.
Nose: Gentle soured cherries and berries at the fore, followed by vanilla sponge cake, brown sugar, marmalade, and a sweet oakiness.
Palate: Thin on the mouthfeel. There’s no escaping that. However, once it’s sat for a few seconds in the mouth and then swallowed, there’s some sweetness, creaminess, and gentle spice. A second sip delivers more fruit and fudge with a timid pepper-crackle.
Finish: Short-medium. However, whilst the finish is only fleeting, it’s quite good. Sweetness, red berries and warmth are there before a more licorice-dominance comes in and sits at the back of the mouth.