Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:10 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.
Unearth the differences between Tamdhu 12 and Tamdhu 15 in this comprehensive analysis, and choose the Single Malt that best suits your palate!
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 Tamdhu 15: Comparison
Tamdhu 12: Showcases classic Speyside sherry cask flavors with banana, dried fruit, and a hint of oak spice. Medium finish with vanilla notes. 43% ABV. A well-crafted, approachable dram for those exploring sherry-influenced whiskies.
Tamdhu 15: Offers a rich, luxurious experience with notes of Christmas cake, almond, and dark fruit. Long finish with chocolate and oak spice. 46% ABV. Appeals to those seeking a deeper, more complex sherry cask maturation.
Verdict: Tamdhu 12 serves as an excellent introduction to Speyside sherry casks, while Tamdhu 15 offers deep richness and complexity. Both provide enjoyable, sherry-kissed experiences, catering to different preferences and moments of indulgence, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top 15-Year-Old Single Malts
Tamdhu 12: A Classic Speyside Sherry Scotch
- 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 10
The Tamdhu 12 offers a captivating experience for whisky enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a well-crafted and approachable expression that embodies the classic Speyside sherry cask character. Let’s delve into its key characteristics:
Aromatic Delights:
- The initial aroma greets you with inviting banana notes, followed by subtle hints of sultanas, hazelnuts, and delicate sherry undertones, creating a delightful and intriguing first impression.
Tasting Journey:
- The first sip reveals a pleasingly thick texture that coats the palate luxuriously. The flavor profile unfolds smoothly, featuring a delightful combination of dried fruits, chocolate, and baking spices, alongside a gentle barrel-induced bitterness that adds complexity.
A Lingering Impression:
- The finish extends to a moderate length, leaving behind lingering notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and a touch of oak spice, ensuring a satisfying conclusion.
Classic Speyside Sherry Style:
- This Tamdhu expression embodies the quintessential Speyside whisky matured in sherry casks. It offers a well-balanced and enjoyable representation of this distinctive style.
Comparison and Character:
- Compared to its renowned Speyside peers like Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, the Tamdhu 12 presents a slightly more robust character. While not reaching the profound complexity of expressions like Macallan, it offers a delightful and accessible experience for a wider range of whisky enthusiasts.
Overall Satisfaction:
- Tamdhu 12 delivers a highly enjoyable and satisfying experience, offering a well-crafted and approachable expression of the classic Speyside sherry cask style. It is unlikely to disappoint those seeking a smooth and flavorful dram.
Additional Notes:
- This single malt whisky matures in a combination of first-fill and refill American oak and European oak casks that were previously seasoned with oloroso sherry. This maturation process contributes significantly to its characteristic Speyside sherry profile.
- Notably, the Tamdhu 12 is free of artificial color and has received a Silver award at the World Whisky Awards 2021, further solidifying its quality and recognition within the industry.
Keywords: Tamdhu 12, single malt, Speyside, sherry cask, classic, well-crafted, approachable, smooth, dried fruit, chocolate, baking spice, vanilla, oak spice, World Whisky Awards 2021.
Tamdhu 15: A Sherry-Kissed Malt
- Nose: Dark fruit, coffee, cinnamon, orange peel
- Palate: Christmas Cake, sherry, almond, oak
- Finish: Long, chocolate, dark fruit, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Macallan 15
The Tamdhu 15 presents a captivating experience for whisky enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a rich and luxurious dram with sherry cask influence. Let’s explore its key characteristics:
Aromatic Allure:
- The aroma instantly draws you in with its delightful blend of rich dark fruit, espresso coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of orange peel, creating a complex and inviting first impression.
Tasting Journey:
- The first sip reveals a thick and luxurious texture, coating the palate with a delightful mouthfeel. The initial flavor unfolds like a delicious Christmas cake, featuring subtle hints of sherry and almond, complemented by a rich oak undertone and minimal spice.
A Lingering Impression:
- The finish extends to a pleasant length, leaving behind lingering notes of chocolate, dark fruit, and a touch of oak spice, ensuring a satisfying conclusion without any harsh heat.
A Luxurious Experience:
- This Tamdhu expression is highly recommended and offers a complex and refined taste profile. It can be described as a “heavenly experience” due to its delightful sweetness, richness, and smooth texture.
Value Consideration:
- While the Tamdhu 15 might come at a premium price point compared to other 15-year-old whiskies, many find its exceptional quality and luxurious experience justify the cost.
Additional Notes:
- Aged exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, the Tamdhu 15 showcases the distinctive influence of this cask type, contributing significantly to its rich and flavorful profile.
- Notably, this expression is unfiltered and uncolored, preserving its natural character without any artificial additives.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Tamdhu 12 | $75 |
| Tamdhu 15 | $140 |