A new livery and smart marketing has brought Tamdhu back to a global marketplace

When Ian Macleod Distillers brought Tamdhu Distillery into its stable, it built a life raft for a whisky production house that was on the verge of extinction. Despite its century-plus years of hard work along the banks of the River Spey, it had fallen victim to the economy and was announced to be closed by its previous owners in 2010. Ian Macleod came onboard 12 months later and the great sherried whisky house of Moray roared into production again.

Much love was poured on the distillery by its new owners, who clearly appreciate its storied history of sherry maturation from Spanish bodegas. Ian Macleod took hold of the Tamdhu essence – full sherry maturation – and supercharged it with a new livery, enhanced signature profile and lots of ambition.

It introduced new age statements and niche bottlings that caught the imagination of a whisky clientele that is constantly seeking innovation. This is an immediately attractive brand with deep roots in the Scottish tradition.  

Here are three bottles from our shelves to help you get to know the brand better:

Tamdhu 12-year-old

It’s been five years since Tamdhu stepped down its original 10-year-old entry-level bottle and replaced it with this very popular 12-year-old. It was a vote of confidence by Ian Macleod in the Tamdhu family at the time and the older sibling has worked hard since to bring many more new fans to the label.

This is a global bottling, sent out to herald the brand’s quality, and the 43% 12-year-old doesn’t disappoint. Matured in oloroso, the extra two years in cask have given this entry-level release a layer of flavour and silky personality that invites you to return to Tamdhu to continue your journey through the core collection. 

Tamdhu Batch Strength 8

This is the eighth edition of the Tamdhu Batch Strength series – a collection quickly ramping up fans for this higher-strength single malt release. Bottled at 57.5%, it quickly caught the attention of fans who relish the deeper texture and flavour that comes with a higher ABV. As with its siblings, it’s matured in oloroso sherry casks, hand-picked to create the dark tones and spice that have become a signature of the brand.

Creamy vanilla and honeycomb dominate the aroma, before layers of red berries and citrus peel flood the palate. The finish is full of spice and black pepper with plenty of oak carrying figs and raisins through the finish.     

Tamdhu Cigar Malt III

Cigar Malt III is the third edition in a series that has had a real impact on whisky drinkers. Arriving with a body and texture that allows it to pair effortlessly with the rich and fragrant experience of smoking cigars, it found a very particular niche among Tamdhu fans. Both previous editions were sellouts and this third edition is an even deeper dive into the personality of this first-fill oloroso-matured single malt. 

The first-fill element of the cask is key here, releasing so much more of the sherry influence on the spirit and creating a deeply textured and viscous pour. Bottled at 53.8%, you’ll find gingerbread and honey on the nose, followed by lots of raisins, biscuits and dates on the taste. This leads you to a wonderful apricot jam-heavy finish with lots of nuts and dark fruit.  

Click here to view more of our Tamdhu bottles