I tried oldest whisky from Speyside ‘hidden gem' - it's an elegant dram ideal for sherry fans

Scotsman

4 days ago

Tamdhu, part of Ian Macleod Distillers, the family-owned whisky and gin company, has been creating fine whiskies on the banks of the River Spey since 1897.
It's one of my favourite spots to visit when at Spirit of Speyside and the team throws open the doors to the Dalbeallie railway station near the distillery. This year they launched the Tamdhu 21 year old, the oldest expression from the distillery and it's a cracking dram.
Fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks, it's rich in colour and flavour but before getting to that, you can't not admire the wonderfully intricate (and sweet smelling) packaging.
The Tamdhu bottle is presented in a beautiful, Royal green cut-work gift case whose Spanish-Moorish design reflects the Southern Spanish sherry casks used in the maturation process.
The display box, adorned with a metallic Tamdhu monogram, slides off to reveal the inner design case and a slide drawer with a tasting notes booklet. The closure is gold wood, decorated with a gold branded capsule. So far, so fancy but what does the whisky taste like?
The age and sherry maturation would make this an ideal autumn or festive dram but it was still lovely on a warm summer's afternoon when I sampled it.
There's notes of chocolate, spices, fruitcake but a freshness from apple-y notes and a lingering dry finish likely due to its age. It'd make an ideal old fashioned or boulevardier but it's an elegant sipping dram no matter the time of year.
Score: 5/5
Best for: those that love a sherried whisky
Buy it now: It's priced at £299 and you can buy a bottle here.
What do the Tamdhu team say about the whisky?
Sandy McIntyre, Distillery Manager, said: 'Our patience and dedication shines through in every sip of Tamdhu 21YO.
'This latest release is a fine example of our commitment to the Spain-to-Speyside journey that every Tamdhu expression benefits from. Oloroso Sherry Casks from Spain deliver excellence for our whisky and help make this brand, produced in one of the most unspoilt parts of Scotland, uniquely refined in flavour.'
Gordon Dundas, Global Brand Ambassador for Tamdhu and Ian Macleod Distillers' whiskies, said: 'Tamdhu Distillery is located on the banks of the Spey and produces its spirit using its own local spring water.
'This limited 'coming of age' 21-year-old release, like all Tamdhu single malts, is fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks to deliver a flavour profile and entirely natural colour that makes this spirit elegant and distinctive.'