Tamdhu Cigar Malt Release No 2

Tamdhu built this whisky to sit beside a good cigar, and it shows in every part of it: the weight, the depth, the sheer richness of texture. Cigar Malt Release No 2 is bottled at a hearty 53.8% and matured entirely in first-fill European oak oloroso sherry casks, the wood Tamdhu has staked its whole identity on.

The distillery sits on the Spey at Knockando, and unlike many of its Speyside neighbours it goes all-in on sherry. Every drop of Tamdhu is aged in Spanish oak seasoned with oloroso, casks the distillery commissions itself from the bodegas of Jerez. That single-minded approach gives the whisky its trademark colour and its dried-fruit heart, and in a bottling pitched at cigar smokers the dial is turned right up. The idea is a dram with enough presence to stand toe to toe with aged tobacco rather than be flattened by it.

The nose is creamy and balanced, opening into crystallised ginger, rich golden syrup and a clear note of sherry oak. The palate is opulent and thick, winter fruits soaked in sherry, then malt loaf and vanilla cream over that generous mouthfeel. The finish runs long, with a last hint of sherry, honeyed apricot and toasted nuts. At this strength a little water is well worth trying; it softens the heat and lets the fruit spread out, though there is real pleasure in taking it neat and letting it coat the palate.

How to Serve

Neat in a Glencairn to feel the full weight, or with a few drops of water to open the fruit. A tulip glass suits it well.

Where to Drink It

Boisdale, cigar terrace and a dram, exactly as intended. Dukes Bar in St James's for something more discreet. Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood for a fireside pour.

Food Pairings

Made for a cigar, but at the table it takes to a plate of strong blue cheese or some well-aged cheddar. A little dark chocolate works too, if the mood is indulgent.