Is Tamdhu the new go-to distillery for sherry lovers? Macallan long ago handed over the crown to GlenDronach, who have started to slip as well in recent years. Glenfarclas will always be a reliable choice, as is Glengoyne, and Billy Walker’s GlenAllachie has some good sherry matured/finished single malts as well. But “new kid on the block” Tamdhu is turning heads and this 15-year-old is an important reason why.
Tamdhu 15 Years (46%, OB, 2019)
Nose: Where other modern sherry whiskies can sometimes feel immature, that’s not the case at all here. It’s thick and packed with sultanas, butterscotch, toffee, orange zest and raspberry jam. Soft spices like cinnamon and a coffee-like influence add some welcome layers of complexity.
Taste: Hints of cappuccino and gentle notes of pepper and nutmeg. Oily and mouthcoating with Maraschino cherries, peanut skins, sweet oranges and notes of cassis. Really enjoyable.
Finish: Lingering spices, dried fruits and some charred oak.
Score: 87
An excellent whisky that rivals the GlenDronach 15yo. A tad on the expensive side, this is nonetheless one of your better options in this category.
Whisky provided by De Monnik Dranken
Both my wife and I like their 15 year, especially after finding it on sale last month at one of our local shops. The Tamdhu 12 is pretty decent also.