Tamdhu

Introduction:

Tamdhu Distillery is known for its rich history and the quality of its Speyside Single Malt Whiskies. Under the ownership of Ian Macleod, the distillery was reopened in 2013, marking an important milestone in its legacy. The whiskies produced at Tamdhu are crafted using traditional methods and are highly regarded for their smoothness, gentle character, and delightful flavors.

Production:

The distinct character of Tamdhu Whisky is shaped by several factors. The water used in the production process is sourced directly from the Tamdhu spring, renowned for its clarity and purity. The pot stills at the distillery, with their broad shape, play a crucial role in refining the spirit. Additionally, Tamdhu whiskies owe their unique flavors to the use of Sherry casks for maturation. These casks infuse the whisky with delightful notes of caramel, apple, vanilla, almonds, dark chocolate, citrus, and dried fruits.

The Flagship and Batch Strength:

Tamdhu offers a range of expressions, with the Tamdhu 10-year-old serving as their flagship offering. This whisky is matured in Sherry casks, resulting in a sweet and smooth entry-level Speysider. For enthusiasts who seek a more intense experience, Tamdhu Batch Strength is highly recommended. Bottled at natural strength without chill filtration, each batch showcases rich aromas of Sherry, red berries, nuts, dry fruits, and crème brûlée, accompanied by a smooth character.

Production Facilities:

Tamdhu Distillery boasts a rich history of innovation and technological advancements. When the distillery was first built, it featured pioneering elements designed by architect and engineer Charles C Doig. Notably, Tamdhu utilized saladin boxes for malting, a groundbreaking alternative to traditional malting floors. These boxes enabled the distillery not only to produce its own malt but also to supply other distilleries. Although the saladin boxes are no longer in use, they remain an intriguing part of Tamdhu’s heritage. The distillery currently operates with three pairs of stills, comprising wash stills and pot stills, which were expanded over the years to meet the growing demand for their whiskies.

Warehouses and Maturation:

Tamdhu takes pride in its extensive warehousing facilities. Within the distillery premises, there are four dunnage warehouses, one racked warehouse, and five palletized warehouses. These warehouses safeguard the maturing Tamdhu whiskies, including some exceptionally old casks dating back to 1961. Notably, the majority of the casks used for maturation are ex-Sherry casks, which contribute to the distinctive character and flavor profile of Tamdhu Whisky.

History and Revival:

Tamdhu’s history is a tale of resilience and revival. Founded in 1896 by a consortium of merchants and whisky blenders, including the renowned William Grant, the distillery faced financial challenges early on. It was subsequently acquired by Highland Distillers. Throughout the years, Tamdhu experienced multiple periods of closure and reopening, with interruptions during the First and Second World Wars and other economic downturns. However, in 2011, the Edrington Group sold Tamdhu Distillery and its stocks to Ian Macleod Distillers, who made the decision to fully revive the distillery and the Tamdhu brand. Since its reopening in 2013, Tamdhu has continued to flourish and gain recognition among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

Visitor Center:

Currently, Tamdhu does not have a dedicated visitor center on-site. However, during the annual Speyside Festival, special distillery tours are organized, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the distillery and learn more about its history and whisky production process. It is advisable to book these tours in advance, as they tend to be in high demand.

Visitor information:

Tamdhu Distillery
Knockando
Aberlour
AB38 7RP
Tel: +44 (0)1506-852205
Email: info@tamdhu.com