Nose(neat): A commanding and warmly aromatic combination of oak, oloroso sherry, blackstrap molasses and dark chocolate with big spice notes of exotic origin rumbling in the background - curry spices, freshly ground cardamom, coriander, cumin and cinnamon. There is a spirity tightness and strong prickle from the alcohol volume, which is to be expected, and it makes the nose difficult to penetrate at first. Over time it opens to reveal a little vanilla and some citrus hints. Nose (watered): Much softer with the addition of just a dash of water. Orange juice, red berries, dried apricots and a hint of anise appear. Over time the oak notes re-assert. [The dry-glass aroma is maple syrup toffee]. Palate (neat): Whip-crackingly spicy with effervescent white pepper and sharp dark fruit notes. As the alcohol subsides it develops into a rounder and even more fruit-driven dram featuring a whole packet of mixed dried fruits soaked in oloroso sherry. The palate expands in the direction of bitter marmalade sprinkled with coffee crystals and the texture is well-poised, never venturing anywhere near cloying sweetness. Palate (watered): Delicious semi-sweet sherried fruits, roasted nuts and marzipan. Tropical fruits, gingerbread and warm soft spices. The texture gains creaminess but there is always the reassuring grip of really good oak casks holding everything together. Over time as it evolves it gains more sweetness. Masterfully constructed. Finish (neat): Medium/long. Warming and juicy with milder spice and sherry notes. There is a slightly flinty hardness in the aftertaste and a dark cacao flavour which eventually gives way to juicy dark fruit. Finish (watered): The only substantial differences are the disappearance of the flinty note and appearance of juicy fruit flavours, with an accompanying sweeter aftertaste. This is the first Tamdhu I've tasted that I've really enjoyed, and I enjoyed it a lot. The previous expressions I've tasted have seemed lazy, shy, unbalanced and lacking in presence, but there is none of that here. This is a big, hulking, dry sherry-monster - but an elegant one as well. He is easily tamed with a dash of water and then shows his more sensitive and subtle side. It has a very interesting and engaging progression and responds to dilution very well. It is also sparkling clean and the cask selection was impeccable - if you told me this was from a single cask I'd believe you. The nose is formidable and even when tasted neat the palate is not hot, although certainly intense. However I did prefer it with the addition of just half a teaspoon of water. This lost nothing of the assertive character but allowed a host of very agreeable sweeter and more delicate tones to also emerge. This is a delightful whisky that repays lengthy and thoughtful tasting. Tasted from a purchased 30ml sample. At the asking price it is excellent value and I've just ordered a full-size bottle. "Very Good" : 86/100 (4 stars)