Tamnavulin Sauvignon Blanc | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tamnavulin distillery, located in the small village of Tamnavulin in the valley of the Livet.
Type: Scotch Whisky with a Sauvignon Blanc wine cask finish.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially matured in American White Oak barrels, followed by a finishing period in French Sauvignon Blanc wine casks.
Age Statement: No age statement provided.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky exhibits a surprisingly dark color, unexpected for a Sauvignon Blanc finish. The bottle design specifics were not discussed, but the cork quality was noted as very good and fitting.

Nose: Signature orchid, green apples, banana, ripe honeydew melon, white peach skin, fresh citrus, green grass, sweet hay, vanilla, and coconut cream.
Palate: Lemon, grapefruit, baked apple tart with hints of cinnamon spice, ginger, lime biscuits, and a juicy, spicy profile with citrus notes. The aftertaste is described as a bit dry, with the tongue sticking to the roof of the mouth, and green apples coming through.
Finish: Soft, sweet, and fruity, with an emphasis on an easy-drinking profile and a good second maturation that enhances the aftertaste.

The Tamnavulin distillery was established in 1966, closed in the late '90s, mothballed, and then reopened in 2007. Since reopening, they have been actively releasing more whiskies, mostly without age statements and with various finishes.

Tamnavulin is situated in a historically rich whisky-producing region, the valley of the Livet, known for its contribution to the Scotch whisky industry. The use of Sauvignon Blanc casks for finishing introduces a unique cross-cultural element to the whisky, blending Scottish distillation traditions with French wine influences.

Horst Luening, the senior taster, expressed a personal preference against white wine, which may have influenced his reception of the wine cask finish. He noted, "not too bad but not extremely of course it doesn't show an age statement it just says 40 percent and yeah, I find there are better ones in the portfolio of Tamnavulin."

Tamnavulin Sauvignon Blanc is a no-age-statement Scotch whisky, initially matured in American White Oak and finished in French Sauvignon Blanc casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with fruity, spicy, and sweet notes, alongside a surprisingly dark color for a white wine finish.
The distillery has a history of closure and revival, contributing to its narrative.
The whisky represents a blend of Scottish and French influences, though the reviewer personally prefers other expressions from Tamnavulin's portfolio.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring unique finishes and the influence of wine casks on whisky may find this expression intriguing.
For Casual Drinkers: Its easy-drinking nature and moderate price point make it accessible for casual whisky drinkers looking to try something different.
For Collectors: Collectors interested in distilleries with a story of revival, or those who appreciate wine cask finishes, might consider adding this to their collection.