Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction 2 Review

Tamdhu presents the Quercus Alba Distinction 2, a tribute to specific barrels: the American oak sherry casks. The distillery achieves this with a whisky that has been exclusively matured in sherry casks from the Sherry Triangle in Spain. About what kind of whisky this results in, you’ll read in this Tamshu Quercus Alba Distinction 2 Review.

In Speyside lies a distillery that is focused entirely on one style. The distillery only makes whiskies that have, from start to finish, been matured in sherry casks. The distillery has been using this type of cask since 1897, which is ample time to perfect the recipe for good sherry whisky.

The Tamdhu distillery has been rewarded several times for its sherry cask whisky. In fact, this year alone, Tamdhu's whiskies have received over 13 awards in various competitions. One of the whiskies that has won awards is the Quercus Alba Distinction 2 whisky. Enough reason to take a closer look at this bottle.

Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction 2 is a whisky that has made quite a journey before being bottled. That journey begins in North America where the American oak for the sherry casks is selected. This wood is then shipped to Spain, where it is air-dried in the Sherry Triangle to then be forged into casks by the coopers. These casks are then given a toast and sherry seasoning.

This whole process takes several years, after which the casks are ready to journey to Scotland. There, they are filled with the Tamdhu spirit in the Speyside distillery. The resulting whisky is a beautiful amber color, bottled at 48 percent ABV.

Tamdhu Quercus Alba Distinction 2 is available for purchase at various whisky specialty stores in the Netherlands.

Tamdhu has delivered the Quercus Alba Distinction 2 whisky in an openwork packaging, in which the bottle stands. The distillery undoubtedly saves some cardboard with this approach and does so without compromising on sturdiness and style. The box exudes luxury all the way.

There is a sturdy lid at the top and the sides contain information about the drink and the distillery. The front serves as a frame, where a golden logo focuses attention on the bottle. The Distinction 2 expression bottle has a nice slender design inspired by a Victorian era soda bottle, during which the Tamdhu distillery was founded.

A heavy base keeps the bottle firmly in place, where long lines run towards the label and turn into the neck of the bottle. It gives the whisky bottle a luxurious look and ensures that this is a bottle that makes enthusiasts curious about its amber-colored contents.

Upon opening the bottle, sweet aromas are immediately released that remind you of a warm piece of cherry pie. If you take a longer moment to smell you'll get a hint of orange and a slight prickling of spicy notes. It invites you to keep smelling and then take a sip of this delightful elixir.

At your first sip of this whisky, a creamy layer covers your palate and tongue, bringing the sweet taste of plums and cherries. Right from the beginning, Tamdhu proves that it isn't just any whisky, but a rich elixir with body. The taste isn't deeply complex, but it gains an extra layer if you hold the whisky in your mouth for a moment. Although this will cause your tongue to tingle slightly, it still leaves an overwhelmingly sweet taste in your mouth. Mild hints of chocolate complement the fruity taste, evoking a mellowed version of a Mon Chérie Candy. There are also some emerging notes of the oak wood.

The Tamdhu Distinction 2 whisky eventually says goodbye with a long finish that lingers for a while. The fruity notes, particularly the cherry (sherry), linger and tempt whisky lovers to take another sip quickly.

With the Quercus Alba Distinction 2 expression, Tamdhu has put forward an incredibly accessible whisky that will definitely appeal to both the beginning and advanced whisky drinker with a preference for a full and sweet whisky. The creamy whisky primarily presents sweet fruity notes, but also playfully teases your taste buds. The long finish completes the experience. If you prefer peat or smoke, this expression is not for you.

+ Fantastic bottle

+ Accessible sweet taste

+ A slight tingle on the tongue

- Not for those looking for a complex whisky

- or something smoky

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