Tamdhu 18 Years
The Tamdhu distillery is committed to both naturalness and the use of Oloroso sherry casks. The 12, 15 and 18-years standards are released at over 46% strength, uncoloured and non-chill-filtered. Today we have the 18-years Tamdhu in our glass.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The Tamdhu 18 Years opens with citrus and nutty notes, followed by classic sherry tones and a hint of prunes. An idea of rum balls and sultanas gives it a sweet depth, while the oak spice adds a robust structure. The bouquet is voluminous and massively intense.
Palate
The first sip reveals the rich fullness of this whisky. A fruity sweetness of red apple dances on the tongue, accompanied by a malty depth and a subtle sweet dryness. The usual sherry notes are present and enhanced by candied apple nuances. The texture is remarkably creamy, but a distinct kick reminds you that this is not a whisky for the faint-hearted. Dark notes of coffee, chocolate and morello cherries add a sensual complexity.
Finish
The finish is long, warming and slightly burning, carried by a fruity flavour that lingers on the tongue.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100
With its creamy texture and intense sherry aromas, the Tamdhu 18 is a true delight that hits you right in the heart—although the price does put a slight damper on the fun. A dram that’s enjoyable, full of character, and occasionally surprises with a cheeky kick.
Sascha 82/100
The Tamdhu 18 impresses with its balanced structure between fruity sweetness and spicy oak notes, yet it doesn’t become overly complex. For fans of classic sherry maturation, it’s solid, though somewhat pricey relative to the depth it offers.
Value for Money: No rating
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84/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Tamdhu use Oloroso sherry casks for maturing their 18-years whisky?
Tamdhu relies on Oloroso sherry casks because they impart complex aromas of dried fruits, nuts, and a distinctive spicy depth, making the whisky’s flavor particularly rich and multi-layered.
How does the non-chillfiltered bottling affect the taste of the Tamdhu 18-years?
The non-chillfiltered bottling preserves more natural oils and aromas in the whisky, resulting in a fuller texture and more intense flavor nuances, especially in a whisky with as complex a profile as the Tamdhu 18-years.
Which flavor notes should one particularly pay attention to in the Tamdhu 18-years?
In the Tamdhu 18-years, notes of citrus fruits, dried plums, candied apples, as well as dark hints of coffee and chocolate dominate. These aromas are typical of sherry cask maturation and shape the whisky’s creamy, complex structure.