Saltire Rare Malt, Scotland’s fastest-growing independent whisky bottler, founded in Falkland by lifelong friends Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, is celebrating the run up to Christmas with the launch of a Tamnavulin 17-Year-Old festive single malt. This follows on the heels of their recent debut in the United States in a special partnership with the Steak House Hall of Fame.
The company’s first-ever Christmas Special Single Malt is drawn from a 2nd Fill European Oak Hogshead seasoned with Oloroso sherry. It captures perfectly the warmth, tradition and nostalgia of Christmas in a glass with the rich character of sherry-matured whisky and will hopefully remind you of a crackling fire and seasonal gatherings.
This limited-edition bottling, which is the 19th release from Saltire Rare Malt, is 48.8% ABV, non-chill filtered and limited to just 247 bottles. It was distilled on 8th February 2008 and bottled on 10th February 2025 and carefully chosen for its rich winter character and depth of flavour.
You will notice on the nose and palate a hint of dried fruits, raisins, soft oak spice and a delicate tannic structure. Add a splash of water and it will reveal cigar boxes, chestnut paste and cherry pipe tobacco. With its long finish that is warming and gently spiced, it is just the kind of whisky to sip beside a log fire on a chilly winter’s evening.
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) to ensure that only the most exceptional casks are included in the collection.
Saltire Rare Malt Founder & Director Keith Rennie, commented:
“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.”
The Tamnavulin 17-Year-Old Christmas Special Single Malt from Saltire Rare Malt, is available to purchase through the Saltire Rare Malt website as well as selected distributors across Europe and Asia, giving both collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to enjoy a distinctly festive dram this Christmas.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is a UK-based travel and motoring journalist and editor, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photograph courtesy of Saltire Rare Malt
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