Stop number 89 on the SDT is Tamnavulin. Another relatively unknown Speyside distillery, Tamnavulin is used mostly in blends, but they do have a range of their own single malts. This NAS was matured in American oak (most likely ex bourbon) and finished in sherry casks. Bottled at 40% ABV and is surely chill filtered with colorant added giving it a dark amber color. Strong sherry up front on the nose with oak, cherries and brown sugar. A definite chalky/talc note with a small hit of sulphur. Milk chocolate, hazelnut, caramelized peaches, grilled plums and more oak. The oak is well done, warm and inviting. Raisins, dates, some honey, cinnamon and cocoa powder. Maple syrup, vanilla, oranges, apricots, walnuts and a hint of coffee. That sulphur note comes back strong and takes over at times. It really detracts from an otherwise solid nose. The palate is lighter than expected as far as the sherry goes, I guess that’s to be expected at 40%. Oak, pears, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. It turn sulphuric and has some bitter nuts. A little pepper, coffee, maple, anise and a light mint. Again the sulphur detracts from the experience. A medium light bodied mouthfeel that is mouth coating and dry. The finish is medium long with sherry, sulphur, nuts and light oak. On first impressions I thought I was in for a toned down Tamdhu, but upon further inspection I found lots of faults. The nose had a ton of complexity especially considering the legal minimum ABV, but it just didn’t have that quality feel to it. The palate was a bigger let down with the sulphur ruining much of it. I can see plenty of scotch lovers getting on good terms with this one, but it’s just not one that I would seek out. I have to say, at $36 it’s tough to beat its value. I was going to give a 3.25, but the price point bumps it to a 3.5. Thanks to @LeeEvolved for the sample. Cheers