Ah, Tamdhu. If Macallan is the Sak’s Fifth Avenue of sherried malts and Tomatin is the Walmart, then you’d be the JC Penney. What we have here is a new, travel retail exclusive called Ambar (which is Spanish for amber. Spanish because they used refilled, Spanish Oloroso sherry casks.). It also carries an age statement of 14 years, which is respectable. The ABV is dipped a bit, to 43% and I believe it is chill filtered. This bottle retails for over $80. Thanks to my NJ whisky connection- Mr @PBMichiganWolverine for this generous pour. The color is a beautiful, rich gold and it’s pretty oily. It leaves behind thin, watery legs and big drops after a spin in the Glencairn. The nose is relatively light and malty, with orchard fruit and toffee candies. Honey and vanilla mingle with hints of cocoa powder and vine-ripened raspberries. It’s just that everything is on the lighter side and waiting it out doesn’t do much at all. The power level has been dialed way down. The palate brings raisins and bitter chocolate out along with the fruits listed on the nose. It’s spicier and a bit more warming than I expected- especially for 43%. A zesty hint of citrus comes across the tongue late that really adds a bit of pep to the profile. The oily appearance isn’t felt on the tongue, though- it’s rather watery. The finish is light and thin with woody apples and a faint alcohol note rounding things out. It’s also pretty short. Overall, this strikes me as a beginner’s sherry whisky. Thin and weak are the key adjectives I take away from the total experience. It’s a typical, TRE mousetrap- lure you in with the Tamdhu name, the TRE exclusivity and slightly higher price tag, and drop the net on you once you get it home. Aka, it can be bested by lots of cheaper, sherried single malts and blends. I’ve had lots of good Tamdhu malts and this one doesn’t deliver the goods. Stick to first fill casks and higher ABV’s from them and you’ll be just fine- leave this one for the airport travelers and Tamdhu fanboys. 3 stars. Cheers.