NOSE - Even though it is pushing 60% abv, the nose is remarkably lacking in heat. It also takes a few minutes to open, so be patient. What emerges is more overtly Sherried: walnut, clove, raisin; then damp earth, citrus and light liquorice. Water brings out the spiciness, the dried pepper flakes, and then treacle toffee. PALATE - Tamdhu's fragrance comes across as pot pourri before some grumbly, drying tannins start to grip, which are then softened by ripe black (and blue) fruit and maraschino liqueur. It comes into its own with water: big, headily ripe and currant-like, with a sense of power. Then things reverse, with the floral sappy edge coming back alongside sultana and orange peel. Long and chewy. FINISH - Rich and slightly sweet. Earl Grey tea. CONCLUSION - Aromatically, this sits between the 12 and the 15, but with extra power. We're in A'bunadh territory. This is building into an impressive series.

NOSE - Big, quite rich, yet sweetly Sherried. There are notes of allspice, raisin and date with a sprig of mint, before fruit cake and Sherried funkiness come in. Things progress through chocolate (fruit and nut) and the smell of new wellies (this is a positive), then tea bread with butter, and wet reeds. A drop of water brings out more earthy notes along with sweet fig and cinnamon. PALATE - Soft and, like the nose, quite sweet. There's even a hint of vanilla at the start, before the dark fruits come in and it starts to grow in weight and chewiness before a late burst of citrus. There's a further burst of rich, cooked berry fruits. Water brings out roast almond, black cherry and coriander. FINISH - Gingerbread and raisin. CONCLUSION - A rock-solid, old-style, balanced, 12-year-old Sherried.