Tamdhu – 16 Year Old 2009 Vintage Ambar Sherry Matured (70cl, 46%)

A 16 year old Tamdhu single malt from Speyside, from the 2009 vintage and bottled at 46% ABV in a 70cl bottle. Ambar is the Spanish word for amber, a nod to the colour the sherry casks give the whisky. The sherry influence is described as profound, both in the colour and in the flavour on the palate. The nose starts waxy, with set honey, chewy toffee, milk chocolate and mint, plus an unexpected touch of Moutai baijiu. The palate is lighter than the nose suggests, with smooth milk chocolate and honey-soaked stone fruit before chilli spice, green aloe and eucalyptus appear. The finish brings chocolate-covered raisins and dried chilli flakes.