Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:50 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.
Explore the differences between Tamdhu 12 and GlenDronach 12 in this direct matchup, and choose your next favorite 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 12 vs GlenDronach 12: Comparison
The GlenDronach 12: A sherry lover’s dream with caramel, honey, and apple notes, leading to a palate of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit. Finished with oak and sherry flavors. Best enjoyed neat.
Tamdhu 12: Opens with banana and hazelnut, moving to a palate of dried fruit and chocolate, finishing with dried fruit and vanilla. A smooth Speyside malt, great with a dash of water.
Verdict: Both whiskies offer a delightful sherry cask influence. The GlenDronach 12 is perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced sherry profile. Tamdhu 12 suits those looking for a balanced, smooth experience with a touch of sweetness, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best-Rated 12-Year Scotches
The GlenDronach 12: A Sherry-Kissed Delight for Whisky Lovers
- Nose: Caramel, honey, apple
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, dried fruit
- Finish: Oak, dried fruit, sherry
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenmorangie Lasanta
Aroma: GlenDronach 12 boasts a highly aromatic nose, featuring enticing notes of toffee, honey, and a delicate touch of apple.
Taste: The palate experiences a thick and creamy texture, delivering a luxurious mouthfeel. The initial taste is dominated by caramel and vanilla, transitioning to a rich dried fruit flavor.
Finish: This whisky boasts a long-lasting finish leaving a subtle aftertaste of oak, sherry, and dried fruits, with no harshness.
Overall: This single malt is a delight for sherry whisky enthusiasts. Aged in a unique combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks, it presents a prominent sherry influence with a nutty and sweet character. The smooth and delicious profile offers the perfect balance of spice and heat, making it enjoyable neat and requiring no dilution.
Interesting Facts:
- Award-Winning: GlenDronach 12 has won prestigious awards, including Gold at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the 2017 World Whiskies Awards.
- Rich History: The GlenDronach distillery dates back to 1826, founded by James Allardes. Notably, Dr. Rachel Barrie, the current master distiller, is one of Scotland’s few female whisky distillers.
- Unique Sherry Cask Maturation: Aged in a blend of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks, this whisky owes its distinct character to the influence of these fortified wines.
- Owned by Brown-Forman: Currently owned by the US-based beverage company Brown-Forman, known for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey.
Key Takeaways:
- Sherry-forward single malt whisky with a smooth and delicious profile.
- Features notes of toffee, honey, caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, oak, and sherry.
- Offers a long-lasting finish with balanced spice and no harshness.
- Award-winning, with a rich history and unique cask maturation process.
Tamdhu 12: A Smooth Speyside Single Malt with Sherry Influence
- 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: Macallan Sherry Oak 12
Aroma: Tamdhu 12 opens with inviting notes of banana, hints of raisins (sultanas), hazelnuts, and a touch of sherry.
Taste: The palate experiences a dense and satisfying texture followed by a smooth and complex flavor profile. It reveals notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, baking spices, and a touch of barrel spice.
Finish: The finish has a decent length, dominated by lingering dried fruit and vanilla with a subtle oak spice undertone.
Overall: Despite initial skepticism due to its packaging, Tamdhu 12 delivers a pleasant and genuine whisky experience. This smooth single malt embodies the classic characteristics of a Speyside whisky matured in sherry casks.
While not the most complex, it offers a step above the average 12-year-old single malt at a reasonable price point. It’s a reliable choice for those seeking a smooth and enjoyable Speyside dram.
Interesting Facts:
- Aged in Sherry Casks: Matured in a combination of first-fill and refill American and European oak casks previously seasoned with oloroso sherry, influencing its flavor profile.
- Uncolored and Vegan Certified: This whisky is presented in its natural color and is suitable for vegans.
- Award-Winning: Tamdhu 12 received a Silver medal at the World Whisky Awards 2021.
- Rich History: The distillery was founded in 1897 and is named “Tamdhu,” meaning “little dark hill” in Gaelic.
Key Takeaways:
- Smooth and enjoyable Speyside single malt with classic sherry cask influence.
- Features notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate, baking spices, and subtle oak.
- Offers a satisfying drinking experience at a reasonable price.
- Aged in a combination of American and European oak casks seasoned with oloroso sherry.
- Uncolored, vegan certified, and awarded a Silver medal at the World Whisky Awards 2021.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| GlenDronach 12 | $70 |
| Tamdhu 12 | $75 |