This is the twelfth limited edition in the Tullibardine Marquess Collection already (check our review of the first The Murray and the Double Wood Edition). This single malt marries three types of Port casks: White Port, Tawny Port and Ruby Port.
I suppose they have three batches of casks and then blend them before bottling (instead of having three successive finishes). In any case I believe this is the first time these three types are used simultaneously.
Tullibardine ‘The Murray’ 2008 – Triple Port Cask Finish (46%, OB 2022, 18.278 btl.)
Nose: apple pie with vanilla cream, alongside sweet plums, rhubarb jam and blackberries. Red grapes too, obviously, with leafy notes. Then hints of sweet cookie dough and light rose petals. Subtle cinnamon and ginger as well.
Mouth: less abundant Port richness now, although there is still this candied sweetness. More blackberries, strawberries and caramel. Vanilla and cinnamon pastry, chocolate notes, candied ginger. A firm clove and nutmeg combination as well, with a hint of charred oak and a moderate winey touch.
Finish: medium, on oak spice, dark fruit and toffee notes.
I may never become a fan of Port finishes, but I think this is one of the better examples of this type. Although I can’t say the three different types are noticeable, it is a rich and tasty whisky, balancing dark fruits and spices without excessive winey notes. Available from Master of Malt and TyndrumWhisky for instance.