Nowadays Port casks are seaoned and specifically prepared for the whisky industry in the same way as sherry casks. Today we’re trying a Tullibardine 2010, bottled for DeinWhisky.de by Malts of Scotland.
Tullibardine 10 yo 2010 (54,4%, Malts of Scotland for DeinWhisky.de 2020, Port wine hogshead, 198 btl.)
Nose: berries and plums up front with hints of cinnamon and a light sour touch. Hints of suede leather and fruit tea. Cherry eau-de-vie. Light oak char in the background. The winey side is there, but it’s nicely balanced and certainly not screaming of Port.
Mouth: again red berries and stewed fruits, with almonds and walnuts. Toffee. Morello cherries. Blackcurrants. Quite fruity, with a warming mix of nutmeg and cinnamon in second stage. Chocolate buns and herbal honey. Also reasonable tannins (grape seeds) that give away the wine.
Finish: medium, with light leafy notes, forest fruit tea and oak spice.
If you don’t mind the typical winey touch of a Port cask, then this deserves your attention as it’s bottled at a good moment. Available for around € 60 from DeinWhisky.de