Introduction This bottle came my way out of curiosity more than anything else. I'd seen Tamnavulin's Port Cask Finish on shelves a few times – reasonably priced, accessible, no age statement – but never found the reason to pick it up until recently. I was looking for something fruit-forward and easy to sip, and the port cask element suggested it might lean in that direction. I wasn’t expecting anything too complex, but I was genuinely interested to see if it offered more than just sweetness. Nose Right away I got a soft spirit note, but it didn’t overpower the rest. What stood out most on the nose was a stewed fruit character – plums, red berries, possibly a bit of apricot. There's a definite jammy quality here, with hints of raspberry coulis and cherry yogurt. As I let it sit, some subtle oak and a malty biscuit aroma crept in. It’s inviting, albeit fairly one-dimensional – the port finish is doing most of the heavy lifting. Palate It opened with a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel, which I wasn’t expecting. The flavour started off with raspberry and baked apple, followed by strawberry jam and a very light touch of cinnamon. Not much in the way of tannic grip or spice from the oak, though some gentle nuttiness appears after a few sips. Mid-palate, there's a sugary cereal note that reminded me of granola bars – pleasant, though somewhat linear. Finish The finish is short to medium in length. There’s a bit of lingering red fruit sweetness and a faint touch of vanilla, but it dissipates fairly quickly. No dryness or bitterness, which keeps the fade enjoyable, but there’s not a lot of evolution here either. What you get is pretty much what stays – soft berries, mild malt, and just a trace of wood at the very end. Price and Value I paid slightly under £30 for it, which seems to be where it usually sits. For that price, you’re getting a whisky that’s certainly drinkable and has a clear profile. It’s not going to challenge any seasoned whisky drinker, but it could make for a reliable weeknight dram. I wouldn’t call it remarkable, but it doesn’t feel overpriced either. Background Tamnavulin is a Speyside distillery that tends to fly under the radar. Operating since 1966, it was mothballed for a time but reopened in the 1990s under new owners. It's now part of the Whyte & Mackay portfolio and has increased its visibility in recent years by releasing several approachable cask finish expressions like this one. The Port Cask Finish starts with whisky matured in American oak before receiving a finishing period in ex-port casks, enhancing its fruity and sweet character. You can find out more about the distillery at the Tamnavulin Whisky site. Final Notes Would I buy this bottle again? Maybe – especially if I’m looking for a soft, fruity dram to share with friends who are just getting into whisky. It’s easy to drink and doesn’t carry too much alcohol heat at 40% ABV. Is it good for beginners? Absolutely. The gentle sweetness and lack of peat or strong spice make it approachable. For more experienced palates, it might lack punch or depth, but as a casual pour, it works. How does it compare to other Speyside whiskies? It’s not as structured as something like a Benromach or as honeyed as a Glenlivet, but it slots nicely into the fruit-forward style you’d expect from the region.