The Speyside distillery of Tamdhu has introduced its oldest core range single malt whisky; the Tamdhu 21 Years Old. This expression will be released in limited small batches annually. Like all whiskies within the Tamdhu range, this very limited “coming of age” 21-years-old release it is fully matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks. This expression is matured in casks made from both American oak and European oak with a dominant percentage from the latter.
The Tamdhu distillery is located in the centre of the Speyside region of Scotland, close to the hamlet of Knockando. It was founded in 1896 by the Tamdhu Distillery Company, which was formed of a consortium of whisky blenders. Throughout its history the whisky produced had largely been used in blends until its closure in 2009. Following its purchase by Ian Macleod Distillers, it reopened in 2012. Since this time Tamdhu has been dedicated to being a single malt whisky brand with unwavering focus on ex-sherry cask maturation. The distillery’s current production capacity is four million litres per annum.
Ian Macleod Distiller have historically been independent bottlers with brands such as Smokehead and Isle of Skye. However in 2003 they purchased and revived Glengoyne distillery, followed by Tamdhu. More recently in 2017 they acquired, and have restored, Rosebank distillery.
The tall octagonal Tamdhu bottle is presented in a royal green case with a Spanish-Moorish design reflecting the southern Spanish sherry casks used in the maturation process. The display box slides to reveal the inner cut-work design case and a slide drawer with a tasting booklet.
This latest release is a fine example of our commitment to the Spain-to-Speyside journey that every Tamdhu expression benefits from. Oloroso Sherry Casks from Spain deliver excellence for our whisky and help make this brand, produced in one of the most unspoilt parts of Scotland, uniquely refined in flavour.
Sandy McIntyre | Distillery Manager at Tamdhu.
This expression of Tamdhu sits alongside the 12 Years Old, 15 Years Old, 18 Years Old and a batch strength release (the current release is batch 008). It is bottled at 47.5% ABV and is on limited allocation to specialist retailers globally and via www.tamdhu.com. A bottle will cost £299.
Our Tasting Notes
This deepen bronze coloured whisky has a distinctly deep character. On the nose there is a bold rich fruitiness of sultanas and raisins with dried orange peel, juicy red berries and plums. Then a warming hint of fresh ginger. Then follows an earthy umami character in the form of walnut skins, tobacco and coffee grains. There is a deep sweetness of dark chocolate and butterscotch. Finally, the elements that hint at the many years of aging – oak wood shavings, beeswax and dusty old spices from the back of your spice rack.
To taste, the 21 Years Old has a level of creaminess, a juicy mouthfeel, and bold dense flavours. Start with bitter dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, and bittersweet coffee. Then sweet vanilla pods meet fresh ground clove and nutmeg spices. The fruitiness from the nose – dried sultanas and raisins – is tempered with fresher flavours of red grapefruit, orange zest and a tropical twist reminiscent of kumquats. The finish keeps going on and on. It glides between rich oak, intense Christmas fruits and spices and refreshing ginger and citrus.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a showstopper for Tamdhu. It hits the right notes for a sherry matured whisky of significant age. It offers all the Christmas spices and rich fruits expected yet is balanced with hints of freshness. Compared to the other whiskies in Tamdhu’s range it is perhaps surprisingly going to feel most familiar to fans of the 15 Years Old. This is thanks to the balance towards European, rather than American oak casks. In the rather disparate world of pricing for 21-years-old whiskies this sits towards the higher end
