1996 Tamdhu 25 yr. - Gordon & MacPhail - 53.7%
Tamdhu was built in the late 19th and primarily designed to produce filler content for blended malts. It suffered a handful of shutterings in its 100+ years, but has remained open since Ian Macleod Distillers took over in 2012. Since the Macleod releases began in 2013, there's been a big emphasis on releasing OB sherry bombs. This independent bottling by G&M (selected by Binny's) plays in the same vein of heavily sherried maturation.
Notes: Despite the baking notes on the nose - caramel cream and toffee - the bright fruit that takes the lead. Big fruit punch vibes - tons of cherry and berry with a hint of something tropical. The palate also delivers fruit punch into wood, raisin and candied notes. The finish keeps delivering the wood and also loops back the fruit punch notes to provide the necessary layers.
Structure is very light. Has some trouble managing its "modest" ABV.
Pour This For: Glenfarclas and Aberlour fans will love this.
Score: 7 (Highly Recommend) Despite losing its grip with the ABV here and there, I like the lighter/delicate structure. The fruit punch looping back in the finish was a key component to making this structure work.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour