Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:52 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
In my detailed analysis, explore variances between Tamdhu 10 and Tamdhu 12, and determine your preferred Single Malt!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Tamdhu 10 vs Tamdhu 12: Comparison
Tamdhu 10: Vanilla, almond, and cinnamon on the nose. Palate includes apple, pear, and fig. Medium finish of baking spice and fruit. Drinks well with water, 40% ABV.
Tamdhu 12: Banana, sultana, and hazelnut nose. Palate of dried fruit, chocolate, and baking spice. Medium finish with dried fruit and vanilla. Best enjoyed with water, 43% ABV.
Verdict: Tamdhu 10 offers a harmonious blend of fruit and spice, perfect for savoring its layered simplicity. Tamdhu 12 delivers a tapestry of dried fruit and chocolate, appealing to seekers of rich, nuanced flavors. Each encapsulates Speyside elegance, showcasing distinct virtues for the whisky enthusiast, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Sherry Cask Aged Scotch
Tamdhu 10: A Smooth Speyside Sherry Gem
- Nose: Vanilla, almond, cinnamon, oak
- Palate: Apple, pear, apricot, fig, plum, almond
- Finish: Medium, baking spice, fruit
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Macallan 10
Aroma: This Speyside single malt opens with a subtle yet inviting nose, offering delicate hints of vanilla, almond, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of oak.
Taste: The Tamdhu 10 boasts a silky smooth texture, leaving a pleasant feel on the palate. The initial taste presents flavors of orchard fruits, followed by rich and plummy notes characteristic of sherry cask aging. Delicate almond and baking spices complement the fruity sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Finish: The finish lingers moderately, leaving behind hints of baking spice and orchard fruits with minimal heat.
Overall: This sherry-matured whisky stands out for its complexity and well-developed character, exceeding expectations for a 10-year-old expression. It offers a smooth and easy-drinking experience despite its lower alcohol content, making it a great choice for savoring neat. While the price might be higher compared to other 10-year-old whiskies, the enjoyable and unique taste profile justifies a try for Speyside and sherry cask enthusiasts.
Key points:
- Aged exclusively in sherry casks
- Presented in natural color
Additional notes:
- Known for its smooth taste, well-rounded flavors, and complex character.
- A potential option for those seeking a readily approachable Speyside sherry whisky with a touch more complexity than the average 10-year-old.
Tamdhu 12: A Smooth Speyside Sherry Delight
- Nose: Banana, sultana, hazelnut, sherry
- Palate: Dried fruit, chocolate, baking spice, oak spice
- Finish: Medium, dried fruit, vanilla, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Tamdhu 15
Aroma: This Speyside whisky opens with inviting notes of banana, sultanas, hazelnuts, and a touch of sherry sweetness.
Taste: The Tamdhu 12 boasts a smooth and pleasantly thick texture on the palate. The initial flavors are dominated by dried fruit, hints of chocolate, and baking spices, balanced by a subtle oaky bitterness from the barrel aging.
Finish: The finish lingers for a moderate length, offering a pleasant continuation of dried fruit and vanilla notes, with a touch of warming oak spice.
Overall: This well-crafted whisky showcases the classic characteristics of a sherry-matured Speyside dram. While offering a slightly more robust and exciting profile compared to some popular Speyside expressions like Glenlivet 12 or Glenfiddich 12, it might not reach the complexity of a Macallan. Nevertheless, the Tamdhu 12 delivers a smooth and approachable drinking experience, making it a solid choice for Speyside enthusiasts.
Key points:
- Aged in a combination of American and European oak casks seasoned with oloroso sherry
- Awarded Silver at the World Whisky Awards 2021
Additional notes:
- Known for its smooth texture and well-balanced flavors of dried fruit, chocolate, and spices.
- A good option for those seeking a classic Speyside sherry whisky experience with a slightly more robust character.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Tamdhu 10 | $65 |
| Tamdhu 12 | $75 |