Tamdhu 8 Years Old Scotch Malt Whisky (G&M)

This is a Tamdhu single malt, chosen and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail matured to 8 year old and bottled at 40%. Established in 1897 at Knockando on the River Spey, Tamdhu is a sherry led Speyside malt. For decades its malt fed blends such as the Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark.

It was worked through onion stills for a rich Speyside spirit, then filled into sherry seasoned casks, the heart of the Tamdhu style. Maturation in Oloroso sherry laid fig and raisin over the spirit. At a youthful age the fruit is vivid and the sherry clear. Dunnage and racked warehousing on site gives a slow maturation by the Spey. The distillery was built on a spot once known for illicit distilling. A full, fruity spirit gives Tamdhu the weight to carry active sherry wood. An in house cooperage was set up in 2019 to manage its sherry casks. Tamdhu sits among the great sherried Speysiders, a sister to Macallan in style. The Spey valley's cool air gives a slow, even maturation in the warehouses.

Reduced to 40%, it is mellow. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, nuts and a soft spice. Beneath it run fig, raisin and a warm spice. A dried fruit and ginger finish lingers long. This is Ian Macleod's sherry led Speysider.