Tullibardine 1980 (Malts of Scotland)

Another new release from Malts of Scotland: a Tullibardine 1980.

Tullibardine 34 yo 1980 (48,3%, Malts of Scotland 2014, sherry hogshead, ref. MoS 14023, 146 btl.)

Nose: a bit robust at first, but it unfolds slowly. Varnish and paraffin at first. Hay, a little chalk and flinty notes. Quite some floral notes as well. Spicy oak shavings and eucalyptus. In between there are restrained gusts of fruitiness that are hard to define.

Mouth: oily, starts spicy and slightly herbal again. Mint and pepper. Waxy notes. Nutmeg. The nicest part is the shot of pink grapefruits and apricots that comes towards the end, as well as a trace of smoke. Oh, and the floral notes are still present.

Finish: long, fairly dry, with mint and liquorice, herbs and oak.

Sure, there’s a fair bit of oak in this old Tullibardine, but it’s quality oak. Really multi-faceted, with ups and downs. Around € 200.

Score: 87/100