What they say

Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled the fourth annual edition of its multi award-winning Batch Strength series, reflecting Tamdhu’s commitment to producing ‘only the best’ sherry cask matured whisky.

Bottled un-chillfiltered at 57.8% ABV, Batch Strength 004 boasts a complex richness, deep intensity and natural colour, having been matured in American and European Oak Oloroso seasoned casks from the cooperages of Jerez in Spain’s ‘Sherry Triangle’.

The scarce wood of the sherry cask bears two great gifts; colour and taste. The deep copper hue of Tamdhu Batch Strength 004 is developed by the cask, nothing more – and each drop owes its rich, complex taste to its Oloroso cask home.

Batch Strength 004 delivers a nose of elegantly spiced oak, with warming vanilla and freshly-shelled nuts. The palate delivers summer berries and cream. A splash of water brings out warm biscuits, oak spice and candied orange. For the finish, a rich spiciness builds, then reveals sultanas, citrus zest and brown sugar. A long, rewarding farewell.

Commenting on Batch Strength 004, Tamdhu Distillery Manager Sandy McIntyre, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching our fourth annual Batch Strength expression, following an award-winning 2018 for Tamdhu. This is a magnificent addition to our growing range of Speyside Single Malts for the sherry wood connoisseur.

“Previous batch strength versions have attained international praise and commendation and become the choice for whisky connoisseurs and collectors alike.

“Just like our full range, Batch Strength 004 is 100% matured in ‘Only the Best’ Sherry casks, giving it a strong natural colour, rich taste and a long finish. Bottled at 57.8% ABV, our new Batch Strength 004 is the closest you’ll get to sampling a dram direct from the cask.”

Each batch in the series is distinctive and differs slightly in style and strength and is bottled un-chillfiltered. The striking copper tones in the single malt are developed naturally through contact with the sherry seasoned casks, which are crafted in the family cooperages and bodegas of Jerez for up to 6 years before beginning their journey to Scotland.

Tamdhu Batch Strength 001 was named Speyside Single Malt of the Year at the 22nd Annual Whisky Advocate Awards in December 2015. Further awards have included a Double Gold Medal for Batch Strength 001 and 002 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016/2017, a Gold at the International Spirits Competition 2017 for Batch 002 as well as winning in the Non-Age Statement category at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards in 2017.

Tamdhu Batch Strength 003 was rewarded for its exceptional quality with gold medals from both the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and the International Spirits Challenge (ISC).

Full Tasting Notes for Tamdhu Batch Strength 004:

• NOSE Elegantly spiced oak, with warming vanilla and freshly-shelled nuts.
• PALATE Summer berries and cream. A splash of water brings out warm biscuits, oak spice and candied orange.
• FINISH The rich spiciness builds, then reveals sultanas, citrus zest and brown sugar. A long, rewarding farewell.

What I say

Batch strength 004 from Tamdhu in Speyside, a distillery that is rapidly claiming a decent reputation for Sherry-cask matured whiskies, some have even tipped it recently as an affordable replacement for Macallan and perhaps of even better quality. I can’t comment on such as I rarely drink Macallan these days. Anyhow I tried this back in 2019 or so and scribbled my notes down in a little used notebook I’ve just rediscovered. So here’s what I thought.

• ABV 57.8%
• Age NAS
• Bottler Official
• Bottling Batch Strength
• Cask Sherry cask
• Category Speyside single malt whisky
• Cost £70
• Origin Tamdhu Distillery
• Outturn undisclosed
• Region Speyside
• Released 2019
• Vintage undeclared

My tasting notes

• Appearance Dark red/bronze (14/20), rare, medium-large, oily tears and medium legs.
• Nose Musty and faintly rubbery, dried fruits, raisin, figs, dates, fresher fruit apples and berries, crystalline brown sugar, molasses, candied nuts, vanilla creme brulee, with water a touch fruitier but also a hint metallic.
• Taste warming, candied nuts, medium-bodied, woody and sugary, toffee apples, apple strudel, berries and raisins, cinnamon speculoos or biscoff biscuits. with water more fruits and berries.
• Finish Long, dried spiced fruits, Christmas pudding with brandy cream butter.
• Overall Spicy, spirity and perhaps a touch youthful. Develops some lovely flavours but I couldn’t help but think this was markedly youinger than previous versions I had tried. Perhaps the strength, spice and metallic nature just took the shine off this one a little for me?

Score 83/100

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