Tullibardine has added a new expression to its Fine Aged Collection, a fifteen year old whisky matured entirely in first-fill bourbon barrels. After being mothballed in 1994 by previous owners Whyte & Mackay, the distillery restarted production in 2003 and this whisky contains some of the first liquid distilled following its reopening.
Keith Geddes, Tullibardine’s Master Distiller, said: “It is a joy to introduce the 15 year old to the world. This whisky really is something special with an abundance of beguiling flavours that sync perfectly together. It’s a remarkable whisky that has been carefully crafted by our incredible, passionate team at our distillery nestled at the gateway of the Highlands. The whisky has a sweet and warm character that fills the senses with nostalgic aromas.”
Tullibardine 15yo
First-fill bourbon barrels
43% ABV
£49.95 here
Nose: A rather floral top note, then coconut, green banana, melon, white candy sticks, and loads of vanilla. Some pear skins, white pepper, and green stems too.
Palate: Vanilla oils, lemon cheesecake, lime cordial, custard creams, and sweet ginger. All very light and soft.
Finish: Coconut husk and juicy oak.
Overall: Pleasing, if simple. Those first fill bourbon barrels add a lashing of classic bourbon notes – vanilla, coconut, light fruits – and really dominate an already very easy going style of spirit. Having said that, I’d imagine this would be a very good next step for those who have not long started their whisky journey and have tried a lot of entry level expressions.
