Tamnavulin 1991 DeDr

https://whiskylovingpianist.wordpress.com/2026/06/27/the-whisky-event-2026-part-2-2/ C: ‘Some folk will have come across Tamnavulin at a similar age, courtesy of Lidl’s undisclosed [28yo] Ben Bracken’s back in the day; this Whiskyland 34yo being a first-rate example. Descriptors-wise, ’curry-spiced sponge’ is what I jotted down as a working title & discussion point with firm evidence that Tamnavulin [here at least] revels in sherry.

Deep, dripping sherry, poached plums, clafoutis, fermented cherries. It's mellow, with candied and dried fruits, macerated raisins, damp wood, pine resin, molasses, stuffed figs, blood oranges, blueberry tarts, Tabasco. On the palate, the fruits are more liqueur-like: plums, caramel, currants, tangerines, strawberry coulis; it's thick, even sticky. Spices are very present and intense. The finish is powerful, very long, earthy, woody, with notes of warm chestnuts, caramelized onions, dark chocolate and coffee, sweet potatoes, and dragon fruit. It's definitely a Sherry Bomb, but it remains relatively balanced. There's a lovely oakiness throughout, and it avoids any hint of sulfur or even rancio. https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2026/05/tamnavulin-1991-whiskyland-chapter.html

This is a very good aged sherry; the fruit flavors are still very fresh, creating a pleasant resonance with the so-called *aged flavor*.

Decadent Drinks: ⚠ WHISKYLAND PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT ⚠ The Sherry Bomb Test Dram Treaty has technically been enforced for a number of years now... would residents please stop deliberately breaking it! Recent events in the southern reaches of Whiskyland have once again highlighted the dangers of improperly handled, long-matured sherry casks. Reports confirm that a small group of Dramblegeeks have detonated a 1991 Tamnavulin of considerable age and potency, resulting in widespread saturation of the immediate area. Eyewitnesses describe scenes of thick, plummy fallout, heavy rancio deposits, and lingering clouds of treacle, walnut wine and dark fruit matter. Emergency services were unable to intervene, largely due to stopping for repeated “just one more” samples. The cask in question, a 34 year old Tamnavulin matured in a 1st fill sherry hogshead, has been classified as “thermonuclear” in nature. Despite this, it has been bottled at natural cask strength and released to the public with minimal containment. Citizens are advised that if they encounter such devices, they should proceed with caution, appropriate glassware, and a complete disregard for personal restraint. Further detonations are expected. UPDATE: INCIDENT SITE REMAINS UNSTABLE Authorities have confirmed that the fallout zone continues to exhibit unusually high levels of sherry saturation. Initial blast reports underestimated the scale. What was first thought to be a contained detonation has since spread, with thick deposits of dark fruit, rancio and treacle now coating large parts of the surrounding terrain. Several Dramblegeeks are still believed to be within the zone, refusing evacuation on the grounds that “it’s getting better with time”. Closer inspection of the cask reveals why. Thirty four years in a 1st fill sherry hogshead has produced something deeply concentrated but unusually composed. Despite the density, it remains balanced. Rich, yes, but still structured. Layers of dark fruit, walnut, resin and aged sweetness, all held together with surprising control. Officials continue to advise caution. Although, quietly, they’ve started bringing their own glasses.

The alcohol content was a bit too strong for me, which masked the flavor too much.

There are quite a few Rancios.

Tasted at The Whisky Event 2026.

fully Sherry test. old oak black fruit, black chocolate,surger, but wood.

This Tamnavulin Whiskyland 31 isn’t my style but it’s ridiculously great. Its a red and purple fruit bomb with coffee, chocolate, Christmas cake deluxe sipped on leather couches with a cigar… just spectacularly good 92 Compared to Whiskyland 30 - Pittyvaich This seems like a relatively straight forward and linear bottling for Whiskyland. Undoubtedly quality and manages to also showcase some honeys and waxes whilst being 1st fill sherry matured but it’s not my preferred style.

This review was written through a blind tasting.