Scotland’s fastest-growing independent bottler, Saltire Rare Malt, is embracing the magic of the season with the launch of a Tamnavulin 17-Year-Old.
Their bottler’s first Christmas special single malt is drawn from a Second Fill European Oak Hogshead seasoned with Oloroso sherry and aims to capture the warmth, tradition and nostalgia of Christmas in a glass – marrying the rich character of sherry-matured whisky with the timeless comfort of the season.
This limited-edition bottling, the 19th release from Saltire Rare Malt, is presented at 48.8% ABV, non-chill filtered, and limited to just 247 bottles. It is available now through the Saltire Rare Malt website and selected distributors.
Curated with Festive Finesse Distilled on February 8 2008 and bottled on February 10 2025, this Tamnavulin 17-Year-Old single malt has been chosen for its rich winter character and depth of flavour. On the nose and palate there are dried fruits, raisins, soft oak spice and a delicate tannic structure. A splash of water reveals cigar boxes, chestnut paste and cherry pipe tobacco – and the finish is long, warming and gently spiced.
As with every Saltire Rare Malt bottling, the 19th release has been selected with the guidance of internationally respected whisky curators Hans Offringa and Becky Offringa – The Whisky Couple.
Saltire Rare Malt founder and director Keith Rennie said: “This release is our love letter to winter. It’s elegant, nostalgic and made for those quiet golden moments when the world slows down. If Christmas had a flavour, this would be it – rich fruit, warm spice and old-world charm in a glass. We’re very proud of this whisky and confident Saltire fans will enjoy every drop of this special release.”
Founded in Falkland in 2024 by lifelong friends Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, Saltire Rare Malt is an independent bottler dedicated to exceptional single casks – from iconic distilleries to hidden gems and lost whisky landmarks.
