In August 2025 Tamdhu released its oldest whisky, the Tamdhu 21 Year Old. A coming of age release, they said. It is fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks, from both American oak and European oak. This is reflected in the Moorish design of the display box. In press releases they referred to Williams & Humbert (among other undisclosed producers) for the provenance of their casks.
I’m trying the 2025 release – the next batch is expected to drop later this year. In the meantime also check my reviews of its younger brothers.
Tamdhu 21 yo (47,5%, OB 2025, American + European oak Oloroso sherry casks, 12.000 btl.)
Nose: starts on plump raisins and fresh figs, along with red berries and orange peels. It’s a nicely heady style with whiffs of old oak and a hint of furniture wax. Then also tobacco leaves and walnuts skins, some toffee and cinnamon syrup. A subtle hint of oak char in the distance, but overall very fresh.
Mouth: rich and vibrant, finding a sweet spot between the European oak spice and the roundness of the American oak. Baking spice (nutmeg), caramelized pecans, milk chocolate and more of these orange peels. Maybe kumquat. Then vanilla, herbal honey and hints of black pepper. Here as well there’s a little oak char and tobacco underneath.
Finish: medium to long, with dark chocolate and brown sugar, warming oak spice and ginger.
We knew what to expect since Tamdhu is always doing sherry maturation, but still this hits the right notes. The balance between the two cask types is just right. Quite rich, good depth and not outrageously priced. I’ve seen it at Master of Malt or The Whisky Exchange for instance.