You may recall our review of Tamdhu’s 12-year-old Scotch Whisky last year (here), in which we touted the lesser-known but highly capable Speyside distillery. This year, we had the opportunity to sample the 15 and 18-year-old members of Tamdhu’s core collection. For those who may not know the history, Tamdhu set out to create the finest single-malt whisky of its time. Enlisted none other than Charles C Doig ESQ, the creator of the “pagoda” distillery ventilator, Tamdhu designed a state-of-the-art distillery in Knockando on the banks of the River Spey. With the river’s sparkling waters and the finest quality sherry casks imported from Spain, Tamdhu began creating some of the finest Scotch whiskies available. Today, Tamdhu has quietly become a world-renowned purveyor of sherry-cask-matured whiskies, and these two expressions showcase what makes it so special.

Tamdhu 15 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Once poured, this 15yo releases a cloud of toffee and caramel sweetness, leading to a bowl of orchard fruits, sweet citrus, and a hint of baked cherries. Hints of barley, shortbread, and warm pecans peek out from the back. The mouthfeel is full and round, starting off slightly sweet but drying throughout the swallow. Christmas spices lead flavors, with a big Oloroso kiss following. More creamy barley follows, with notes of ginger cake, candied fruit, cocoa, and a hint of coffee. The swallow reveals a note of grilled pineapple, leading to cloves, chocolate milk, barrel oak, and oiled leather. A hint of band-aid fades into a warm, long sunset of spice and sherry. It certainly deserves its “Master” rating by The Spirits Business and its multiple Golds from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge, to name a few.

Tamdhu 18 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

At over $200 a bottle, Tamdhu’s 18-year-old expression is a dram that I would consider a rare treat! And what a treat it is. The aroma kicks the 15yo up three notches, redolent with an intensely dry caramel nuttiness that promises a warm and luxurious profile. Notes of baked cherry pie, flaky pastry, and raisings waft over dark chocolate and almonds. Warming and swirling releases additional hints of cardamom, cinnamon, and steeped cloves, plus some dark stone fruits. The mouthfeel is rich and creamy, with a dryness reminiscent of Amontillado. On the tongue, brown sugar and molasses lead to nutty toffee and winter spices, plus a hint of black pepper. Mid-swallow releases notes of expresso, vanilla chews, glazed walnuts, and a surprise hint of fresh-cut apples. The swallow releases more caramel goodness, plus a resurgence of nutty toffee and cocoa. Like the 15yo, this expression shows decadent polished leather in the finish, plus barrel spice, more black pepper, candied walnuts, and a distant hint of cedar. It’s quite something, and in my not-so-humble opinion, far better than its price tag would indicate.

If, like me, you love a high-quality Speyside Scotch whisky and are not afraid to splurge for a special dram (or you’re independently wealthy), you cannot do much better than Tamdhu. Even their 12-year-old flagship expression is excellent, and these two elder siblings kick that up many notches. I can’t recommend them enough!