Tamdhu and Avolta mark Heathrow’s 80th anniversary with TREX single cask release

Ian Macleod Distillers has partnered with Avolta to launch the travel retail-exclusive (TREX) Tamdhu Single Malt Scotch Whisky for Heathrow Airport, commemorating the airport’s 80th anniversary.

The limited-edition Tamdhu Single Cask #975 is available exclusively with World Duty Free (Avolta) at Heathrow. The launch coincides with the retailer’s annual global whisky festival, The Whisky Collective, running across World Duty Free stores at the airport.

A rare sherry hogshead expression distilled in 2009 and matured for 17 years, the release celebrates the distillery’s longstanding dedication to sherry cask maturation.

The whisky was matured exclusively in a hand-selected European oak first-fill Oloroso sherry cask and stored in the cool shadows of the distillery’s traditional dunnage warehouses.

After maturation, the whisky was bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.7% ABV, with no chill filtration and no added colouring.

Only 304 bottles have been produced, each individually numbered and presented in a premium gift box. The whisky has an RRP of £249.

The expression offers aromas of dried fruits, raisins and prunes alongside hazelnut spread, raspberry and toasted marshmallows. On the palate, it delivers notes of blackberry compote, orange oils and lemon balm. It has a long finish characterised by rich sherried fruits and tannins.

The Tamdhu Distillery is located on the banks of the River Spey and recognised for its singular focus on Oloroso sherry cask maturation. The brand was launched into global travel retail in 2018. Today, it is dedicated exclusively to maturing its single malt whiskies in Oloroso-seasoned casks sourced from cooperages and bodegas in Jerez, Spain.

Avolta Global Category Head of Liquor David de Miguel commented, “We are pleased to partner with Ian Macleod Distillers on this exclusive Tamdhu Single Cask release at Heathrow.

“With its rarity, distinctive sherry cask character and clear appeal to whisky enthusiasts, it is a fitting addition to this year’s Whisky Collective and to Heathrow’s 80th birthday celebrations.”

Heathrow Retail Director Fraser Brown added, “We are pleased to mark both Heathrow’s 80th birthday and the launch of World Duty Free’s annual whisky festival with the introduction of this Tamdhu Single Cask, created exclusively for our passengers.

“This release highlights the strength of our partnerships with Ian Macleod Distillers and Avolta and our shared ambition to bring rare, high-quality whiskies to travel retail. As the UK’s only hub airport, Heathrow is proud to provide a global stage for distinctive Scotch whisky that reflects the best of British craftsmanship.”

“We are thrilled to showcase our single cask expertise with the introduction of this remarkable Tamdhu single cask to World Duty Free and its customers at Heathrow Airport,” added Ian Macleod Distillers Head of Global Travel Retail William Ovens.

“Tamdhu only releases a handful of these exemplary single casks every year. Cask #975 is the pinnacle of sherry cask maturation, appealing to sherry cask whisky connoisseurs worldwide.” ✈