While all Tamdhu matures exclusively in the finest Oloroso Sherry Casks, Tamdhu Cigar Malt uses a small selection of first fill European oak sherry casks. These casks provide a more robust character, complementing the aromas of a cigar. It was first released in 2021 but there will be new batches in the future.
Tamdhu Cigar Malt (53,8%, OB 2021, Batch #1, 4800 btl.)
Nose: really nice. There’s more than just a hint of cigar leaves and humidor indeed. Then also pencil shavings, black cherries, cookies with butter and ginger. Later it develops cinnamon notes, vanilla and Mexican chocolate, as well as classic raisins and dates. There’s a herbal / floral / polished touch to it as well. Rich and clean.
Mouth: dark treacle with lots of ginger notes (as well as gingerbread). Black pepper, drying cinnamon and some earthy notes. The high toast level comes out now. New wood, hints of pine resin and black tea. More (sour) tobacco leaves in the end. Overall a lot of oaky dryness, but the sherry character is rich and clean.
Finish: very long, on herbal tea and leathery notes, with oak char and dark chocolate.
We already knew Tamdhu works perfectly with European oak. On the nose this Cigar Malt reminds me of the excellent 2006 single cask for DeinWhisky for instance. On the palate there’s plenty of spice, required to withstand a cigar. A designer sherry bomb, but no flaws except for the firm, almost sour oakiness. Full bottles will be difficult to find now, but you can still get a sample from TWE if you like.