Tamdhu-Glenlivet 2007 Cadenhead Original Collection 15 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Tamdhu - Speyside 

Refill Bourbon Barrels, Oloroso Sherry Casks and Refill Bourbon Finish

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Tamdhu is renowned for its fruity and pulpy character, but here the ageing is undoubtedly the most intriguing. This one is triple matured, first in Refill Bourbon Barrels, then 20 months in Oloroso Sherry Casks, and finally 11 months again in Refill Bourbon Barrels. Why this versatility? What will it bring to the distillate?

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The Sherry is very intense, almost too much so, a liqueur of red fruits, blueberries, raspberries, oregano, Aosta ham, spongy wood, blood oranges, clementines, candied cherries. In the background, earthy touches, exotic spices, blood sauce. Saffron, grated nutmeg, cinnamon. On the palate, it's syrupy, heady, melted dark chocolate, stretto coffee, blackberry jam, redcurrants, tomato coulis. The spices are a little less present, black pepper, cola. The finish is fairly long, very opulent, black earth, charcoal, burnt caramel. A hint of bitterness and vegetal notes at the end.

 

In Short, 

I can understand why the liquid was put back into a Refill Bourbon Barrel, the Sherry was a little too invasive, and the trend had to be reversed, or at least an attempt made. The result is a whisky saturated with sherry, a little excessive, but which may appeal precisely for that reason. The price seems to me excessive for what it is.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Cool Hand