Tamdhu single malt Scotch whisky has launched two new expressions - Dalbeallie Dram 003 and a limited-edition Iain Whitecross Single Cask Vintage 2003.
The limited edition Dalbeallie Dram was released earlier this month in honour of the famous Dalbeallie train station that sits alongside the distillery.
Since its completion in 1899, Dalbeallie Station played a pivotal role in bringing Tamdhu’s precious sherry oak casks from Spain to Speyside for almost a century, until its closure in 1965.
In recent years, Tamdhu has restored the station to its full glory - including the waiting room and signal box - making it a beloved landmark for walkers on the Speyside Way and the perfect setting to host events and visitors from all over the world.
Dalbeallie Dram 003 is individually numbered and bottled at cask strength 60.7% ABV, non-chillfiltered and, like every bottle of Tamdhu, is natural colour.
True to the brand’s production of “only the best” sherry cask matured whisky, it has been matured in European and American Oak Oloroso sherry seasoned casks from the cooperages and bodegas of Jerez, Spain.
The team say: "It is balanced and creamy, with hints of banana and lime, toasted marshmallow and spiced bread and butter pudding on the nose.
"The mouthfeel is luxurious, thick and syrupy on the palate, oozing with vanilla, dried fruits and soft spice, with gentle waves of oak. And building sherry notes join with the oak and sweet liquorice to give Dalbeallie Dram 003 a velvety and pleasingly dry finish.
Sandy McIntryre, Tamdhu Distillery Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our third exclusive, limited edition Dalbeallie Dram - an exceptional toast to an important part of Tamdhu’s history.
"Dalbeallie Station holds a special place in the hearts of everyone at Tamdhu and these Drams are our special way of honouring its legacy.
“Dalbeallie Dram 003 joins the popular Dram 002, which we launched at last year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, and 2018’s start of the Collector’s Journey, the Dalbeallie Dram.
"Each has been carefully chosen by our distillery team and we’re extremely proud of this latest addition to the series.”
Only 1,000 bottles of Tamdhu Dalbeallie Dram 003 will be available to purchase from today as an online exclusive from the Tamdhu website at RRP £90.00 per 70cl bottle (60.7% ABV).
Tamdhu Iain Whitecross
This new, limited edition expression has been specially selected for bottling by its Assistant Distillery Manager, Iain Whitecross.
Iain has worked at Tamdhu since 2006 and, shortly after Ian Macleod Distillers reopened the distillery doors, he was appointed as Assistant Distillery Manager in 2014 due to his unrivalled knowledge of the whisky, the casks, the people and, most importantly, Tamdhu’s ‘Only the Best’ mantra.
To honour Iain’s commitment to the distillery, as well as his craft, Tamdhu Distillery Manager, Sandy McIntyre, offered him the rare opportunity to select and bottle his very own single cask.
Iain Whitecross, Tamdhu Assistant Distillery Manager, said: “I’m delighted to have had the honour of selecting this spectacular whisky – my own unique piece of Tamdhu history. I love being part of the Tamdhu family, and this represents a real career highlight for me.
“After sampling 150 exceptional casks, I nosed Cask 5892 and it stood out by a mile. I knew in that moment that we had to bottle it. It fills me with pride to know that my colleagues and fans of Tamdhu will have the chance to sample and enjoy my perfect dram.”
The Tamdhu team say: "The liquid inside Iain’s European sherry oak cask was distilled on 19th November 2003 and has notes of deep toffee on the nose, accompanied with perfectly balanced milk chocolate, hazelnut, peach, and vanilla.
"On the palate, expect a wonderful contrast of rich truffle, sharp zesty orange and warming cinnamon. The dram finishes with notes of crème caramel, soft oak, wine gums and – of course – unstoppable sherry notes."
Tamdhu Iain Whitecross Single Cask Vintage 2003 (70cl, 57% ABV, RRP £265) is available to pre-order from the Tamdhu website, where only 676 bottles are available for purchase.
The new releases come shortly after Tamdhu enjoyed further success at the World Whiskies Awards finals. The Speyside distillery scooped the top prize for ‘World’s Best Single Cask, Single Malt’ with its Distillery Manager’s Single Cask bottling. Dalbeallie 002 won Single Malt (Scotch Speyside) – No Age Statement – Gold.
To help keep spirits high during these difficult times, Tamdhu have also been inviting whisky fans to join unique tasting livestreams, with Sandy and Global Brand Ambassador, Gordon Dundas.
The distillery has also been donating £1 from the sale of each bottle purchased from their website to the Drinks Trust and the Ben to help their mission of providing care and support to our hospitality colleagues.
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