Tamnavulin

Introduction:

Tamnavulin Distillery is known for its light and aromatic Speyside Single Malt Whiskies. The Tamnavulin 12 – year – old expression is widely recognized and appreciated for its pleasant aromas, light sweetness, and notes of heather, malt, fruits, spices, and a subtle hint of smoke. It serves as a delightful opener before a meal. Another notable release is the Ben Bracken, specially bottled for supermarkets, which is also a Tamnavulin expression. Older bottlings, such as the Tamnavulin Rare Old 30 – year – old, offer intense Sherry aromas, tropical fruits, coconut, and coffee flavors.

Production:

Tamnavulin has a production capacity of around four million liters per year, with plans to reach this full potential. The distillery carries out 16 mashes per week, resulting in an output of 3.5 million liters of new spirit. The water used in production is sourced from a natural well and stored in an underground reservoir. The cooling water is obtained from the nearby River Livet. Tamnavulin strives to increase thermal efficiency by utilizing the heat generated during distillation to warm the new wash.

The Mashing:

Tamnavulin’s full lauter mash tun has a capacity of 10.7 tonnes.

The Fermentation:

Tamnavulin previously had eight washbacks, four of which were made of Corten steel. However, in 2015, the distillery replaced the remaining Corten steel washbacks with five new stainless steel ones, bringing the total to nine. Fermentation at Tamnavulin takes approximately 48 hours.

The Pot Stills:

Tamnavulin’s still house is home to three pairs of pot stills.

Warehouses:

Tamnavulin has two large racked warehouses on-site, capable of storing casks up to 10 layers high. While many casks are used for maturing Tamnavulin Whisky, some also hold spirit from other distilleries. As a blender, Whyte & Mackay requires a variety of different Single Malts.

History and Revival:

Established in 1966, Tamnavulin was founded to meet the growing demand in the Whisky industry. It was initially operated as a subsidiary of Invergordon Distillers Limited. In 1993, when Whyte & Mackay acquired Invergordon Distillers, Tamnavulin became part of their portfolio. The distillery experienced a period of closure in 1995, with only a brief resumption of production in 2000. However, Tamnavulin’s true revival came in 2007 when United Spirits, led by Vijay Mallya, acquired Whyte & Mackay. Under their ownership, the distillery underwent refurbishment and modernization. In 2014, Whyte & Mackay was sold to Emperador Inc., a subsidiary of the Philippine Alliance Global Group, Inc. Diageo also held shares in Tamnavulin, resulting in significant changes.

Visitor Center:

Tamnavulin previously had a visitor center located in the old wool mill, but it is currently closed, and no tours are offered.

Visitor information:

Tamnavulin Distillery
Tomnavoulin
Ballindalloch
Banffshire
AB37 9JA