Introduction
Today is our Tamdhu 15 Year review: a single malt Scotch whisky from the Speyside region of Scotland.
Last week, we reviewed Tamdhu 10, and if you haven’t listened to that review yet, we recommend you go back and give it a listen for some additional background on the distillery.
Tamdhu is known for aging their whisky entirely in sherry casks, which imparts a distinct flavor profile. This particular expression comes in at 92 proof and has been aged for 15 years. The color of this whisky is significantly darker than the 10-year-old, suggesting a rich and intense flavor experience.
The following review is taken from our episode "The Great Dictator / Tamdhu 15." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Bob: This has one of the most potent, dark grape-forward sherry noses I've ever tried. It reminds me of the Nomad Outland in terms of sheer decadence, but it's a lot more plummy. It smells like plum and prune, really nice. Towards the end, it tipped into almost a cherry Robitussin note for me, which brought back childhood memories. Overall, a great nose. I'm giving it a 9/10.
Brad: For me, the grapes came through very strong, with notes of orange zest and barley present throughout. There's almost a creamy cheesecake feel to it, and the longer I sit with it, some allspice notes come through. It's solid, so I'll give it an 8/10.
Taste
Bob: I really like this. It’s more complex and has more punch than the 10-year-old. My mouth is watering over here. It’s prickly and reminds me of some Highland Scotches in the way the alcohol manifests. There’s a lot of grape and prune, but towards the back end, it turns into a bitter cherry note. Despite some bitterness, the mouthfeel is thick and pleasant. I’ll give it a 7.5/10.
Brad: I actually like the taste a lot. The bitterness you mentioned came across as a strong tart flavor, like dried cranberries. There are notes of grape jam, almonds, and a hint of vanilla, almost like a blondie. I’ll give it an 8.5/10.
Finish
Bob: The finish drops off significantly in terms of potency. It’s potent on the palate, but the finish dissipates quickly without much lingering flavor. I appreciate that it doesn’t have a Robitussin aftertaste, but there’s not much else there. I’ll give it a 7/10.
Brad: The finish had some nuttiness, a lot of grape, and a bit of oak and barley. It was fine but nothing remarkable. I’ll give it a 7.5/10.
Balance
Brad: I think this is a solid expression, though it doesn't quite reach the heights of the Tamdhu 10 for me. I’m a little disappointed, so I’ll give it an 8/10.
Bob: I like this whisky a lot better than the Tamdhu 10. It’s potent and robust, but there is a marked drop-off from nose to taste to finish. Even though I prefer the flavor profile, it’s not as well-balanced. I’ll give it a 7/10.
Value
Bob: I believe this is no longer sold in Ohio, but looking online, it seems to be listed at around $130. At that price, it’s right in line with something like Glenmorangie 18, but three years younger. I think this is overpriced. I’ll give it a 6/10.
Brad: I agree. At $130, it’s about $40-$50 too expensive. I think this should be a $70-$80 whisky. I’ll give it a 4.5/10.
Final Scores
Bob: I’m coming out to a 36.5/50.
Brad: Despite our different experiences, I’m also at a 36.5/50.
So, we’re at an average of 36.5/50. This just clears the bar for us to start recommending it. It’s a worthwhile drinking experience, but I wouldn't recommend buying a whole bottle at this price. Maybe try a pour at a bar if you get the chance.
For context, a 35/50 is where we’d typically recommend trying a pour at a bar or buying a bottle. A score of 40/50 is considered great, and 45/50 is excellent.
