Here’s another Tullibardine I tried some time ago. A very young distillery by the way, founded after WWII. In 1994 it was mothballed under White & Mackay ownership, until it was sold in 2003 to a consortium of businessmen. Since then, they’ve been gradually trying to improve the brand and the products.
Tullibardine 18 yo 1990 (59,1%, A.D. Rattray 2009, bourbon cask #6105, 300 btl.)
Tullibardine 18 yo 1990 (59,1%, A.D. Rattray 2009, bourbon cask #6105, 300 btl.)Nose: slightly sharp but overall pretty easy, with malty notes, fruity notes (gooseberries, apple, pear) and a slightly grassy / oaky edge. Some orange essence and vanilla. White flowers. Quite mellow if not for the yeasty note in the background.
Mouth: rather oily. A slightly strange combination of synthetic fruits (apple / peach), waxy notes and violets / potpourri. Also a peppery heat that’s a bit too heavy. Then lots of grasses, liquorice and young oak, leading to a bitter aftertaste.
Finish: medium long, sourish and bitter with the same heat as in the mouth.
No no no, don’t let this waste your time. Around € 60. Guess what, it’s still available.
Score: 75/100