Tasting notes·Tamnavulin

Tamnavulin 11 Years (2013/2025) - James Eadie

This 11-year-old single malt from the Tamnavulin distillery presents an intense and rich aroma that immediately captivates. The complexity of the taste unfolds on the palate with a harmonious balance of fruity notes and a malty depth reminiscent of the cold season. The well-integrated sherry aromas add a classic touch to the experience, while the pleasant warmth in the finish gently caresses and creates space for subtle bitterness. A whisky that stimulates the senses and invites you to linger, even if it may lack that certain something to stand out from others.

The panel

Marcel
81
Sascha
83

Mean 82.0 · spread 2

Value for money 3/5

Distillery
Tamnavulin
Bottler
James Eadie
Type
Single Malt
Region
Speyside
Country
Scotland
Age
11 years
Strength
57.4% ABV
Character
rich

Tasting

Nose

Even with the first sniff, a seductive sweetness envelops us, reminiscent of ripe dates, immediately stimulating the senses. Dark wood, almost like old, weathered driftwood, resonates and gives the bouquet an earthy depth. As we inhale deeper, the warmth of fresh figs reveals itself, harmonizing with an enticing caramel note. The influence of the cask is strong and pronounced, yet not overwhelming – it adds a subtle complexity that captivates us. It is a scent that invites us to discover more and already makes us curious about what is to come.

Palate

On the palate, a robust maltiness unfolds, instantly awakening the senses and transporting us into a world full of flavors. Morello cherries dance with dark chocolate, imparting a fruity freshness that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet raisins. As we continue to taste, the classic sherry profile becomes evident, which is not only fruity but also pleasantly soft – entirely without the often overwhelming leatheriness that one sometimes expects. Here, it is the balance that excites and makes the enjoyment a rounded experience, inviting us to take another sip.

Finish

In the aftertaste, a pleasant warmth remains, gently caressing the senses and enveloping us in a comforting embrace. The well-balanced dryness ensures that the flavors do not dominate but withdraw harmoniously, creating space for a subtle bitterness that rounds off the enjoyment. As we let the final nuances linger on the tongue, we feel a lightness that makes the finish a rounded experience. Here, the mastery of the whisky is evident, which, despite its intensity, does not come across as intrusive but rather leaves a lasting impression that invites us to taste again.

Verdicts

Marcel

This 11-year-old drop from the Tamnavulin distillery is a solid companion for the cold season, impressing with its classic sherry profile and harmonious balance. However, it remains somewhat in the shadow of the abundance of sherry whiskies, as it lacks that special something to truly stand out. A good whisky that pairs well with a piece of dark chocolate...

Sascha

This 11-year-old whisky from Tamnavulin is a solid representative of its kind, impressing with a classic sherry note and harmonious balance. Yet, among the multitude of sherry whiskies, it remains somewhat pale, as it lacks that special something to truly stand out. A good companion to a piece of dark chocolate...

What it is worth

No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2026-01-24.