Tamdhu releases oldest whisky to date

by Alice Brooker

Ian Macleod Distillers is releasing 600 bottles of its oldest Tamdhu Single Cask whisky, aged 18 years, to China travel retail.

The cask has been selected and bottled for China Duty Free Group (CDFG) from Tamdhu's vintage series. It is the Speyside single malt producer's first listing with the company. The whisky was distilled in 2003 and clocks in at 54.5% ABV. A first-fill, European oak oloroso Sherry cask whisky, the liquid retails for RRP US$650. CDFG president Charles Chen said: “This exceptional sherry-matured whisky creates a new focus for whisky connoisseurs and collectors in Asia. We are delighted with this Tamdhu exclusive, which is part of a continuing strategic partnership between ourselves and Ian Macleod Distillers.” With sweet aromas on the nose, the 18-year-old presents flavours of raisins, toffee apples and cinnamon on the palate, with a mild and long finish. Ian Macleod Distillers’ global travel retail director William Ovens said: “We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional Tamdhu single cask to CDFG and its customers. "This cask is the pinnacle of Sherry cask maturation, giving the whisky its rich mahogany colour and outstanding taste. “Tamdhu is becoming known for its superlative single casks, which have won multiple awards in recent years, and we have no doubt this cask – the oldest ever released by the brand – will be very well received.” Tamdhu was launched into global travel retail in 2018 in the UK with two exclusive GTR expressions, Ámbar and Gran Reserva First Edition. Last year, the Tamdhu unveiled the sixth whisky in its Batch Strength series.