Tamdhu 1980 (Private Stock)

The excellent Private Stock range by The Whisky Agency is usually a combination of high age, exquisite profiles and low yields. Highly sought after by collectors, so they are usually sold out before you know it.

The latest addition is this Tamdhu 1980.

Tamdhu 33 yo 1980 (55,7%, The Whisky Agency ‘Private Stock’ 2013, bourbon hogshead)

Nose: nice old-school nose, fruity, full of honeysuckle and old roses. Honey, toffee, faint vanilla and sweet cereals. Buttercups. A little dusty oak and wood glue. Also a slight grassy prickle and hints of chamomile. Water highlights the floral elements.

Mouth: thick and malty, with quite some oomph. Big honey notes, toffee, apricots and waxy oak. Cinnamon and wood spices. There’s still a slighty tangy sensation, something in between plain alcohol and a herbal sharpness. Some toasted bread. With water: a little smoother and rounder (apple sweetness).

Finish: quite long, with a soft herbal bitterness, big pepper and grassy notes.

A rather remarkable whisky. A tad sharp when taken neat, but be sure to play around with water to get the most out of it. Around € 180.

Score: 87/100