Tamdhu Single Cask 16 Years Old 2006 (57.9%)

An official Tamdhu single malt, a 16 year old release from 2006, drawn from cask 2061 and bottled at 57.9%. Only 328 bottles were released. Set by the Spey at Knockando, Tamdhu has distilled since 1897. Mothballed in 2010, the distillery was revived by Ian Macleod, who relaunched the single malt in 2013.

It was drawn off copper pot stills fed by the Tamdhu Spring, for the full, fruity make that suits sherry maturation. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. By this age the sherried spirit rounds into dried fruit and a nutty depth. Spanish and American oak sherry casks build the layered Tamdhu profile. The arrival of the Strathspey railway in the 1860s made the distillery possible. For decades its malt fed blends such as the Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark. Mothballed in 2010, the distillery was revived by Ian Macleod and relaunched in 2013. Sherry casks, both Spanish and American oak, define the modern Tamdhu.

At a full 57.9% it is bold and fruity. The Oloroso brings raisin, orchard fruit and a warm spice. A dried fruit and a nutty oak give it real depth. A warming, sherried finish lingers. This is a dried fruit rich Speyside malt.