Tamdhu Dalbeallie Dram (62.1%)

This Tamdhu, an official release and bottled at 62.1%. Just 1000 bottles were filled. Tamdhu was established in 1897 on a Speyside site once known for smuggling; its rich, sherried malt has a devoted following. 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. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and honey. Carrying no age, it leans on dried fruit, nuts and a warm spice. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the sherried, fruity core over time. Sherry casks, both Spanish and American oak, define the modern Tamdhu. The name Tamdhu is Gaelic for little dark hill, and the architect was Charles Doig. 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.

At a full 62.1% it is bold and fruity. The ex-Bourbon lends vanilla, honey and apple over the malt. A baked apple and a warm ginger lift it. Raisin and a warm ginger draw out the close. This is the sherry cask malt of Knockando.