Stop number 34 on the SDT is Tamdhu. Tamdhu was previously owned by the parent company that owns Macallan and Highland Park but was sold to Ian Macleod Distillers because it just wasn't popular enough to maintain. This 10 year old is matured exclusively in sherry casks, and most or all are first fill. Bottled at 43% ABV and i believe it is chill filtered and has colorant added (although I think it's a minimal amount used to even out variations in batch color) making it a dark copper. Get comfortable, because this is going to be a long one. The nose is a full on sherry bomb. Sherried fruits, dates, raisins and figs. Plenty of vanilla and a warm nuttiness like almonds coated in brown sugar. This has a nose similar to the Macallan 12 year double cask, but warmer and it feels like it has a higher proportion of American oak to European oak. Some lighter fruits as well, chocolate oranges perhaps. Soft but elegant oak, rich dark chocolate salted caramels. There was a low level alcohol burn at first but it faded pretty fast. A little dry grass and anise/licorice root. More chocolate notes, with toffee, like a Heath bar. Really a beautiful nose. Rich buttery popcorn or warm buttercream. Man this thing just keeps evolving. Light cinnamon and mint. Ginger and herbal tea, maple syrup and the barest thread of wood smoke. Truly a superb nose. After that kind of an experience with the nose I was worried that the palate would let me down. So happy to be wrong. Rich and sweet up front. Buttery with a little spice. Ripe red fruits and sherry wine notes. Salted caramels and semi sweet chocolate. Gentle oak, just enough to let you know it's there. A touch of vegetal earthiness and peat. Earthy, mainland forest peat, not Islay peat. Just a hint of it though, nothing crazy. Medium bodied mouthfeel. Luxuriously oily and mouthwatering. The finish, unfortunately falls a bit short. Medium length and very dry. Sherry, dark berries and a little mint. About half way through it becomes a little bitter. This is a fantastic single malt. I was not expecting this level of quality. The use of first fill casks is apparent as the flavors are so full and prominent. This is a 10 year old, but I suspect there are far older casks at work here. This is so good, probably the best Speysider in it's price range that I've ever had. I would love to see this same whisky in an 18 year old release. Whiskies like this one really push me to the sherry matured side vs the bourbon matured side. When done right, like it is here, it's a thing of beauty. The finish could have been better, but it is an all around winner. This sample was provided by Lee and he bought the bottle for $80. While I would indeed pay this amount, it is available here in Michigan for $65, making it a no brainer. A solid 4.5, pretty respectable for a little 10 year old from a relatively unknown distillery. Cheers