Tamdhu Batch 1 (TBWC)

Bottled by That Boutique-y Whisky Company, this Tamdhu, aged 28 year old from 1988 and bottled at 46.8%. Just 270 bottles were filled. Set in Knockando, in the heart of Speyside, Tamdhu has distilled since 1897. It was built by a consortium of blenders led by William Grant and designed by Charles Doig; the name is Gaelic for little dark hill.

The spirit was run through the distillery's onion shaped stills, and laid down in Oloroso casks for its sherried depth. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. At this age it is full and sherried, the fruit folded into a deep, nutty body. Sherry seasoned oak is central to the house style, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. 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.

At an approachable 46.8% it is rich and balanced. Vanilla, honey and a soft apple come from the bourbon wood. It is deep and fruity, the sherry and oak well matched. The finish runs rich, nutty and spiced. This is the sherried Speyside malt of Tamdhu.