Tamdhu 9 Years Old 2014 Cask #DL 17982 (Provenance)

Douglas Laing selected this Tamdhu, a 9 year old release from 2014, drawn from cask DL 17982 and bottled at 46%. 381 bottles in all. Tamdhu, first built in 1897 by a blending consortium in Knockando, Speyside, is famed for its sherry cask whisky. Ian Macleod runs Tamdhu alongside Glengoyne and Rosebank.

The spirit was made in copper stills and filled into sherry seasoned oak, for a fragrant, fruity spirit with weight for the cask. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Still young, the malt is fruity and sherried with a soft spice. First fill Oloroso casks drive the rich, dried fruit character Tamdhu is known for. The River Spey runs past the distillery on its way to the Moray coast. Ian Macleod runs Tamdhu alongside Glengoyne and Rosebank. Water is drawn from the Tamdhu Spring on the Speyside site. 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.

At an approachable 46% it is rich and balanced. The ex-Bourbon adds vanilla, cream and orchard fruit. A dried fruit and a nutty oak give it real depth. The finish runs rich, nutty and spiced. This is a deep, fruity Speyside single malt.