Tamdhu Batch Strength Batch 002

Ryan bought for deep creek 2018

Oily, beastly sherry monster. Very challenging dram that needs time. But, I can't recommed #002 because it is totally out of balance for even a sherry monster.

I got to spend some quality time with this bottle over the last month or so. This review is for the Batch Strength 002. The second batch has been getting slightly better reviews than the initial batch so that was the bottle I purchased. I’m not sure how many bottles of Batch 001 can still be found anyways. This one comes in at 58.5% ABV and has no color added and is also NCF’d. It’s a rich mahogany in the tasting glass and makes some seriously slick, oily legs when you spin it. I found this bottle online for just under $80 and I gotta say- that’s a damn good deal if you liked the regular 10 year old. The nose is heavily sherry influenced with chocolate and almonds leading the charge. There’s some red berry sweetness if you give it some time before moving on. It smells great. The palate again highlights a well made, sherry cask whisky that delivers with a bit more punch than the standard 10yo. There’s added depth with butterscotch candies, dark chocolate and honey sweetness rounding it out. The mouthfeel is a tad thick but it’s also kind of elegant- especially for a cask strength. The finish is long and rather hot with sherry and chocolate notes fading into bits of wood cask. It finishes a little harsh, but you have to expect that when the ABV is approaching 60%. Overall, I wasn’t a big fan when I first opened the bottle. It definitely needed some oxidation to calm it down to the point you can tell it’s bloodlines as Tamdhu. I felt the same way about the 10 year as I worked my way through that bottle, too. Patience will be well rewarded here. It’s a dynamite dram and kind of easy on the wallet as well. 4.25 stars. Cheers.