Tamdhu 40 Years Old 1971 The MacPhail’s (G&M)

Single malt Tamdhu, an independent Gordon & MacPhail bottling, a 40 year old Speyside malt from 1971 and bottled at 43%. Tamdhu was first built in 1897 by a blending consortium on a Speyside site once known for smuggling, and it has been the sherried face of Speyside since its revival. The old Knockando railway station serves as the distillery's visitor centre.

Distilled on soft Speyside water in onion stills, building the rich, sherried style Tamdhu is known for. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the malt to the fore. Decades leave it deep and oxidative, fig, walnut and dark sugar with great age. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the sherried, fruity core over time. The Spey valley's cool air gives a slow, even maturation in the warehouses. Tamdhu was built in 1897 by a consortium of blenders led by William Grant. The arrival of the Strathspey railway in the 1860s made the distillery possible.

At 43% it is smooth and sherried. Honeyed vanilla and apple come through from the oak. Soft orchard fruit and raisin sit behind the spice. It finishes rich, fruity and warming. This is the sherry cask malt of Knockando.