Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction

“Apple crumble, rich plum, nutty vanilla and a fruity finish”…a whisky from a Distillery in the heart of Speyside that since 1897 has aged their whiskies exclusively in Spanish sherry casks – the Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction.

The Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction begins its journey in the oak forests of Northern America, before being imported into Spain where the casks are carefully crafted in the “sherry triangle” over the course of 6 years.

The staves are then left to air dry in the Mediterranean sun before being assembled and toasted by experienced coopers. Finally, the Oloroso sherry seasoning takes place, before the casks travel to Tamdhu and over time, the Thamdhu vibrant new-make spirit combines with the American Oak sherry cask to deliver rich fruity flavours and a wonderful natural amber colour.

Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction…a sublime “old school” whisky with the unmistakable characteristics of first-fill American Oak sherry cask maturation.

It’s been a while since we’ve featured a bonified ‘Sherry Bomb’ as our malt of the month and this Month’s Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction is just that. A sherry bomb from an old Speyside distillery that specialises in sherry-maturation and has done since 1873.

When you stop and think about it, we are blessed to be living in the midst of a ‘whisky renaissance’ with many new and innovative distilleries (Scottish, Australian and other ‘new world’ whiskies) being established (not to mention the independent bottling boom!). It seems just as many new and interesting maturation techniques as there are new distilleries are being employed today. Hybrid casks, grooved casks, STR Casks and even Supercasks! All modern techniques used in the everlasting search/quest for new flavour profiles.

Now, as good as all these new techniques and finishes are (and it’s no secret how good they can be) it’s still nice to go ‘back to basics’ with a truly ‘old school’ distillery once in a while. Tamdhu is just that… A centuries old Sherry maturation specialist. That’s right, since 1897 Tamdhu has aged their whiskies exclusively in Spanish sherry casks. If ever there was a distillery qualified to know good sherry matured whisky, it is Tamdhu!

Nose: Nutty and creamy? with vanilla, cinnamon, honey, apple crumble, cherries, citrus and delicate mint.

Palate: Mouth coating with a luscious richness, thick and fruity with soft oak, plum, gooseberry and chocolate limes.

Finish: Long with the sherry notes lingering into a fruity finish with dates and syrup sponge.

Whisky excellence does not happen by accident. In 1897, a group of like-minded entrepreneurs came together with a shared ambition – to dedicate themselves to creating the finest whisky in the world.

From the very first moment, everyone involved in Tamdhu had the same mind-set – excellence must be achieved. And so, it began. The finest distillery architect and engineer of the day, Charles C Doig ESQ. was enlisted. The flawless location by the banks of the River Spey was acquired. The most advanced techniques were chosen. And the perfect sherry casks from Spain were selected.

The stage was set.

For over 100 years, whisky perfection was produced. However, in 2010 outside pressures forced the distillery to close its doors. But all was not lost just yet.

In January of 2012, the determination of Ian Macleod Distillers saw the Tamdhu Distillery doors open once more. Inspired by the founders’ dedication to one style; 100% sherry cask oak matured, the family enterprise returned the distillery to its former glory, using the same processes and passion for sherry maturation as the founders had before them.