Tamdhu has found a small place in my heart by offering very solid, sherry cask whisky for quite awhile now. My buddy @Generously_Paul would probably be considered the president of their fan club if such a thing existed. He’s also the reason I receive multiple pours of practically everything they release, so thanks for that my friend. I like to relate to Tamdhu as the discount sherry spot versus Macallan and even Glendronach. They offer similar quality usually at a better price. This is their first NAS cask strength release, which has now grown to four subsequent releases, Batch Strength 001. Its NCF, no color added and bottled at 58.8% ABV. It’s amber and copper in color and makes skinny, oily legs and tiny droplets in your Glencairn when you take the time to rough it up in your glass before a tasting. The nose is standard, Tamdhu sherry with newer smelling vibrant oak in the background. Time will release raspberry purée and a nutty, malty note that’s quite Macallan-esque. The heat blocks any more depth for me, I suspect because I refuse to add water to a 2oz sample. Other reviewers point out that you can go much deeper on the nose and palate if you dilute it to a proper 43-46%. I just don’t like to do that unless I have more whisky on hand, so perhaps next time. The palate is initially like a peppered, sherry wine with cherries, vine-ripened berries, raisins and light citrus. I think I confused any identifying citrus characteristics with the higher heat from the ABV and the blast of oak from the casks used. Again, water is probably your friend here, but I’m a whisky snob and a jerk sometimes and refuse to invite the stuff into my Glencairn willingly. Surprisingly, though, there is a rich, full mouthcoat I don’t usually associate with cask strength whisky. So, that’s a plus. The finish is long, spicy and hot with the predominant flavors being cherry and spiced oak. The youthful spirit is on display with a slight harshness that just wont quit, but I’m playing the whisky tough guy act and letting my eyes water a bit (or maybe it was that Sarah Mclachlan animal rescue commercial playing in the background- I’ll never tell, lol). Either way, a single tear ran down my cheek (1980’s anti-littering, Native American commercial style) before I brushed it away and chased the dram with a slug of bottled water. Yes, I’ll recycle said water bottle, my friends- I ain’t that heartless. Overall, this is another fantastic cask strength bottle from Tamdhu. As I look back over my Batch 002 review, one thing caught my watery eyes- I didn’t get any dark chocolate notes like I did with that batch and for that reason I gotta conclude that Batch 001 isn’t quite as good as its successor. So, that said, this one is 3.75-4 stars, max. It’s good, but I think the second release is better. I’m about to try the Batch 003 soon- maybe they get better every time. Now that would be something worth getting emotional over. Cheers, and thanks for reading this one through.