Tamdhu currently is trying to get some shelf space in shops by having rereleased their 10 year old a few years ago, and there’s also a new cask strength release that comes in batches, like BenRiach, GlenDronach, Glengoyne and many others.

While that seems to be helping to get the brand into the spotlight every now and then, I don’t think many whisky fanatics have been swayed yet.

A little while ago I got the chance to trade some samples of whisky and this 25 year old bottling from 2004 was part of the deal. That means this was distilled, at the latest, in 1979. So, especially in the current ‘everything is already sold out’ climate, that’s an oldie.

I don’t know much about Tamdhu, apart from it having a rare Saladin Box maltings, which never was a common type of malting system. It’s quite the curiosity, and something I’ve never seen in real life yet.

Image from http://www.whisky.com

Sniff:
On the nose I’m getting old grain and lazy oak. All in a good way. Quite old fashioned with tropical fruit. Peach, apricot, very nice. Even though it’s just 43%, it’s quite warming and there’s a hint of baking spices coming through as well.

Sip:
The palate is smooth, gentle and light. Slightly thin initially, but it just takes some time to reach every nook and cranny and fill it with flavor. After the initially thin-ness it gets a bit richer and drier. Fruit, spices, very old fashioned sherry influence. Ever so slightly bitter, with hints of apricot.

Swallow:
The finish has a bit more orangy citrus flavors. Quite typical of the style of sherry cask used for this whisky. Quite long and dry.

This is a whisky that would take a few minutes to get used to and to open up. As in, on the first sniff and sip I wasn’t overjoyed with this dram, but by the time I finished it I was quite regretful of it being gone.

The style of sherry, the softness of the oak driven flavors and the light hint of spices on top of the fruit really makes for a complex dram that has to offer a lot, if you’re willing to look for it.

90/100

Tamdhu 25, bottled in 2004, 43%. Available for € 190 at Whisky Antique