Tamdhu 28 Year (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

This independent bottler frequently offers aged, scarce single malt selections from esteemed distilleries. Such is the case with this remarkably old 28-year-old Tamdhu, bottled at 46.8% ABV, featuring a charming label depicting king Saladin in boxing gloves. This illustration alludes to Tamdhu's unique whisky-making process, being the last distillery to utilize a Saladin Box for malting barley. The nose presents a truly exquisite apple note, the most apple-like aroma imaginable. It's a super fresh, delicate, and highly appealing scent, accompanied by dulce de leche, thick honey, and black pepper. The aroma is reminiscent of having overwashed your hands, leaving them intensely fragranced. Stewed fruits are present, and after a few minutes, a citrus peel note emerges, specifically grapefruit. Upon the initial taste, the aroma shifts to a more artificial profile, like liquid paper or envelope glue. A spicy note becomes very prominent. It's incredibly fragrant, with hints of s'mores. On the palate, it's intensely citric and acidic, surprisingly so. Lemon and lime dominate. The second sip offers a brief moment of sweetness before a citric explosion, akin to those sour lollipops from my school days. There are notes of sawdust and faint, aged apples. By the third sip, it truly resembles apple juice, but the acidity is overpowering, even at only 46.8% ABV. The finish is characterized by tobacco and a delightful fruity aftertaste, reminiscent of passionfruit—truly surprising. A second taste reveals a distinctly "cowboy-ish" character: hay, tobacco, bitter and dry. Quite pleasant. There are definitely some dried fruits and seeds present. Highly rewarding. A subtle sugary touch feels great. Overall, the nose and finish are incredible, while the palate is quite ordinary. Nevertheless, it remains a memorable dram. It's always fascinating to experience a 28-year-old single malt, especially one with such a satisfying finish. My rating is 90 out of 100.