Tamdhu Batch Strength Batch 003

Delicious

Now that both bottles of Aberlour Abunadh and Tamdhu Batch 3 have opened and I have sampled multiple times I have to say that the Tamdhu slightly edged out the Aberlour with a more intense nose and taste profile. I water both down to 92 proof.

Delicious. I find it similar to Aberlour A'bunadh but still comparing and evaluating. Fun test!!!

The appearance gives me the impression this is heavy on the refilled sherry casks. Rather light in color for a sherry bomb, still a strong amber color that's 3-4 shades darker than golden. Though with scotch, it's always iffy to even discuss the color, this one thankfully lets us know it is natural color! Nose - I've never gotten so much butter scotch on a nose before. Just a huge bomb of butter scotch with light milk chocolate behind it. I have to dig deep to find the dark fruits behind that just absolute dessert bomb on the nose. At the end I get the lightest bit of bready oak to finish it off. A drop of water brings out more of the sherry notes, the figs, raisins, dates, etc. That said there's far more dessert still on here. There's also a distinct cherry like note, I almost want to describe a Manhattan without the bourbon oak. Taste - A total and complete dessert scotch. I'm just getting wave after wave after wave of flavor. Every time I think the scotch is done, I just get another wave of flavor. I've had at least 6 distinct waves just on the first taste. Vanilla, chocolate, butter scotch, dark red fruits, perhaps a cherry, baked cherry pie crust, maybe a touch of ginger. Water oddly brings out a bit more of an alcohol spark and brings in some spices with the oak tannin. I have no idea how I've managed to not kill this bottle. It's absolutely incredible. Make no mistake this is not an older scotch but this is a darn near perfect example of a CS scotch. 4 point score is not something i give lightly, but unless you hate sherry or the 70-90 price points is well outside of your price range, this is a must buy.

It’s time for another sample from Tamdhu’s Batch Strength Series: this is Batch 003. This sample was sent to me from my buddy, and Tamdhu fanboy, @Generously_Paul, from Michigan. This has turned into an annual release that has always been non-chill filtered, no color added and, obviously, cask strength. This particular release comes in at 58.3% ABV. Each batch also runs in the $85-95 range and is always a pretty good example of a sherry bomb, single malt. This batch is no exception. It starts out a worn copper in color and is heavily oiled with no immediate-forming legs. It leaves lots and lots of very tiny drops behind after a thorough spin in the glass- as do most high ABV malts. The nose is predictably sherry-forward, with lots of berried fruit such as raspberries and blackberries. Sun dried raisins, fresh grapes and a light citrus note help hide some of the harsher notes from the oak casks and youthful spirit. Bitter chocolate also settles in after time or even a drop or two of cool water. The palate is maraschino cherry juice and sweet sherry wine. The heat is inevitable and ushers in some cinnamon, pepper and a biting mid sip mouth feel. You’re drinking whisky here, and even though the viscosity seems thicker and almost like a cough syrup consistency- it’s still velvety. Dark chocolate undertones really slam the door on the flavor profile at the back end and help cool things leading into the finish. Speaking of which, it’s medium/long and full bodied. Faint oak and sherry wine combine with hints of orchard fruits and more chocolate to leave the dessert profile hanging behind. It’s another fine vintage for the Batch Strength series. Overall, it’s easily another 4+ star release and it’s definitely better than Batch 001. I still think Batch 002 is my favorite to date, with this one being a close second. Batch 004 is now out and I hope to be trying that one soon and I hope it lives up to the lineage of those that came before it. 4.25 stars. Cheers.

Stunning. Absolutely magnificent. One of the best single malts I’ve ever tried. I’m out in Colorado visiting my folks in suburban Denver and my dad wants to show me the local whisky bar, which happens to be modelled off a Scottish pub and has over 400 whiskies on the wall! I’m almost ashamed I never knew about this when I used to live out here. They had so many cask strength pours, independent bottlings, and rare pours. They even had Yamazaki 12 for $12 a pour! (More on that later...) This malt is more than just a sherry bomb. There are complex layers at every level. The nose has sherry, yes, but also chocolate, leather, and dates. On the palate I get more of those notes plus creme brûlée and baking spices. The finish is so long and warm and wonderful you don’t want it to end. It doesn’t drink like a cask strength, and it keeps enticing you to explore it more. I only added two drops of water, which brought out more of the dark fruits and gave it a little more roundness and openness on the nose and palate. If you find this one, I wouldn’t think twice about buying it. I haven’t tried the other batches but this pour was exquisite. Easily one of the top five drams I’ve tried. Cheers!