To be completely honest, I don’t have too much experience with Tullibardine. There are only four reviews of a dram from the distillery on the blog, in almost 13 years. I know that I really enjoyed the 12 Barrels one from a couple of years ago, but somehow I’ve never reviewed that.
Apart from that, the distillery is a bit of a blind spot. Although, that also has to do with the few expressions that I’ve tried. Most of them didn’t wow me. So when Dràm Mòr sent over a sample I was curious, but not immediately excited.
After just looking it up on Google Maps I think I should really visit the place at some point. It’s quite accessible from a lot of places in Scotland, and since I’ve been to Islay twice and have visited Old Pulteney in Wick, I think a distillery that’s actually near things should not post too much of an issue. Maybe next year, we’ll see.
Sniff:
The initial scent brings an interesting whiff of corn like notes. Sweetness, richness, corn starch. This could pass for a bourbon, and I don’t mean bourbon cask matured Scotch. A bit of a fig and date like fruitiness starts coming through after that with hints of toffee too, but it stays surprisingly like it’s from Kentucky.
Sip:
The palate stays in this area of flavors. It’s quite dry but stays big and rich. The fruity sweetness that comes up after a few seconds is nice, and tastes like date syrup and pastry cream. A bit of a pecan note too.
Swallow:
The finish shows that it’s not bourbon most. There’s dry oaky notes and lots of specific sherry. Not just rich sweetness, but very sherry indeed. Dates, raisins, figs, plums. A hint of barley in the background.
This is highly interesting and surprisingly ‘American’. If you would have given this to me without telling me what it is, I don’t know what I would have made of it. The dried fruits always come through but mostly in second place. The finish is a bit different and makes it a ‘true’ Scotch.
Pretty cool stuff, and rather unique in a good way!
BOW (87)
Unleashing the Flavors: Tullibardine 8 Years Old Dràm Mòr Cask 650932
In the vast realm of Scotch whisky, there are expressions that embody the essence of craftsmanship and bring forth a symphony of flavors. One such exceptional whisky is the Tullibardine 8 Years Old, an exquisite creation bottled by the renowned independent bottler Dràm Mòr. Distilled in 2015 and matured in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead cask numbered 650932, this Highland Scotch whisky showcases the artistry and expertise that Dràm Mòr brings to the world of independent bottling. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the captivating qualities of Tullibardine 8 Years Old and uncover the story behind its creation.
Distillation Process:
Tullibardine 8 Years Old was meticulously crafted through the distillation process, which took place in 2015. The exact details of the distillery remain a mystery, adding an air of intrigue to this expression. What we do know is that the spirit was carefully distilled to capture the essence of Tullibardine's distinctive style and lay the foundation for its maturation.
Maturation in 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead Cask:
The journey of Tullibardine 8 Years Old continued as it matured in a specially selected 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead cask numbered 650932. This cask, with its rich sherry influences, contributed to the depth, complexity, and flavor profile of the whisky. The interaction between the spirit and the sherry-infused wood created a symphony of aromas and flavors, resulting in a truly exceptional whisky.
Tasting Notes:
Let us embark on a sensory exploration of Tullibardine 8 Years Old and discover its unique character traits.
Nose: The aroma reveals a delightful combination of dried fruits, warm spices, and a hint of oak. The sherry influence adds a luscious sweetness that tantalizes the senses.
Taste: On the palate, Tullibardine 8 Years Old unveils a harmonious balance of flavors. Notes of caramel, toffee, and chocolate mingle with the richness of dried fruits, resulting in a luxurious and delightful experience. The sherry cask imparts depth and complexity, enhancing the whisky's character.
Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with a lingering warmth and a touch of oak. The flavors fade elegantly, leaving a pleasant memory of this exceptional whisky.
Limited Edition Bottling:
Tullibardine 8 Years Old Cask 650932 is a limited edition release, with only 245 bottles available. Each bottle represents the culmination of years of maturation and the expertise of Dràm Mòr as an independent bottler. The careful selection of the cask and bottling process ensures that each sip of this whisky is truly unique and extraordinary.
Conclusion:
Tullibardine 8 Years Old Cask 650932, crafted by Dràm Mòr, is a testament to the dedication and passion of independent bottlers in delivering exceptional whiskies to enthusiasts and connoisseurs. With its captivating flavors, rich aromas, and limited availability, Tullibardine 8 Years Old stands as a testament to Dràm Mòr's craftsmanship and expertise. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or cherished as a collector's item, this whisky invites you to immerse yourself in the world of Tullibardine's artistry and indulge in a moment of pure pleasure.
Whisky Notes (87)
Nose: dried fruits up front (sultanas, dates) with a toffee sweetness and hints of vanilla. Caramelized notes and hints of orange peels. Then fragrant hints of wood and floral honey, as well as juicy berries. There’s a hint of newish oak and leather, making this quite wide and aromatic.
Mouth: more toffee, fresh figs, raisins and red berries, leading to darker chocolate notes. Also hints of black pepper and cinnamon. Pecan pie. Reminds me of Aberlour A’Bunadh now. Then hints of drying cedar wood and polished oak come out, with a light leathery note.
Finish: rather long, on drying exotic wood and plenty of sherry spice, against a backdrop of plums and raisins.
A very nice, modern sherry bomb profile. There’s dried fruit sweetness, nicely balanced with drier woody notes. Really pleasant, probably the best whisky in this line-up, and a no-brainer at this price.
