Review: Tamdhu 10 Years Old
Shuttered from 2010 to 2013, Tamdhu, one of Speyside’s founding distilleries, is back in operation. Primarily known for its contributions to blended Scotch, the distillery is now producing more single malts, and this 10 year old expression (obviously made from stock that predates the distillery’s current ownership) would be released is the first volley of Tamdhu’s relaunch.
Tamdhu is matured fully in sherry casks. (A limited edition expression of Tamdhu 10 that’s matured only in first-fill sherry casks is also available; check the label closely to see which one you’re buying.)
It’s easy to see why Tamdhu works well in blends like The Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark: In Tamdhu 10 you get a little bit of everything that makes Scotch great. The nose is lightly woody and lightly peated, with undertones of nuts. A general, rustic alcohol-vapor vibe tends to linger, however.
Through its moderate body, Tamdhu again shines as an easier malt, offering hazelnuts, dates, raisins, and a deeper orange character, infused with spicy, mulled wine notes. Sedate and malty, it ultimately offers a finish that is at once pleasant, drinkable, and decidedly modest.
86 proof.
B+ / $58 / tamdhu.com [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
Is the US variant of this bottled at 43% or 40%? Some US sites have it listed as one or the other.
What I reviewed was 86 proof, 43% abv.
Thanks. I did see that your review was for 86 proof/43%. I was just curious since I’ve been seeing both depending on where I go. The majority seem to have it listed at 40%.
Marco – always possible my sample was mislabeled. I’m checking with the distributor.
Marco – Confirmed with the distributor: 86 proof, 43% abv.
A great 10 y/o! Easily slays older and more expensive whiskies such as the Jura and Auchentoshan. Also puts CR Royal Salute to shame