In 2016 Tullibardine distillery created a Marquess Collection which honours Lord William Murray, the Marquess of Tullibardine.
first release is Tullibardine The Murray, matured in first-fill bourbon barrels for around 12 years and bottled at cask strength.
Tullibardine ‘The Murray’ 2004 (56,1%, OB 2016, Marquess Collection, first-fill bourbon, 6000 btl.)
Nose: curious. First there’s a dusty side to it, but it opens up nicely on soft fruits (nectarine, apple, lemon, a little mango eventually) and oak spices / shavings. Vanilla custard. A bright, rather blossomy nose.
Mouth: quite hot and spicy, sweet, with plenty of barley. Lemons and grapefruit. Some floral touches and (rose) pepper. Vanilla again. Clove and ginger. A little sweeter and more fruity with water, but the floral oaky side remains.
Finish: long, malty, still floral and spicy.
The high strength and the prominent bourbon oak give The Murray a certain floral, almost perfumy edge. Fairly simple whisky, not bad and in any case reasonably priced: around € 50.
Score: 83/100