This limited release is designed to capture the warmth and nostalgia of winter.

Drawn from a second-fill European oak hogshead seasoned with Oloroso sherry, the whisky is described as “Christmas in a glass”. The single cask expression evokes crackling fires and winter gatherings, marrying the rich, sherry-matured character with the spirit of the season.

Distilled in February 2008 and bottled in February 2025, this 19th release from the bottler is presented at a cask strength of 48.8% ABV and is non-chill filtered. The tasting profile reveals dried fruits, raisins, and soft oak spice, with notes of cigar boxes and cherry pipe tobacco developing with a splash of water. The finish is long, warming, and gently spiced.

“This release is our love letter to winter,” said Keith Rennie, founder and director of Saltire Rare Malt. “If Christmas had a flavour, this would be it – rich fruit, warm spice and old-world charm in a glass.”

As with all their bottlings, the cask was selected with guidance from internationally respected curators Hans and Becky Offringa, known as The Whisky Couple. Founded in Falkland by lifelong friends Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, Saltire Rare Malt specialises in single casks from both iconic and lesser-known distilleries.

Limited to just 247 bottles, the Tamnavulin 17-Year-Old Christmas Special is now available through the Saltire Rare Malt website and at select distributors across Europe and Asia.