Tullibardine sits at a location in the Highlands that hearkens a proud history of brewing and distilling – legal and illegal – back to the 15th century. The distillery itself was founded in 1949 and sources its water from the Danny Burn, originating in the nearby Ochil Hills. The Tullibardine 15 was distilled in the first years after the distillery resumed production in 2003 after closing in 1995. It is now independently owned.
Distillery: Tullibardine
Region: Highland
Age: 15 years
Strength: 43%
Price: $86.99
Maturation: ex-bourbon casks
Location: Blackford
Nose: Wintergreen, brine, honey, heather, mineral, apple cider, apple jolly rancher, tannin
Palate: Buckwheat honey, heather, oak, grade b maple syrup
Finish: Apple, vinegar, tannin
Comments: Water takes down the acidity and brings out the sweetness more. Letting it sit in your glass after pouring for a while balances out the flavors more.
Adam – At the risk of stereotyping a little, the Tullibardine 15 seems a banner highland scotch. It has the honey, apple and brine qualities I associate with the region in general. The brine element does threaten to descend into vinegar if you’re not careful but the wintergreen and honey play with some nice forest vegetals. A large gulp increases the honey and allows more of a finish to linger than you find with small sips and diminishes the tannins. I wasn’t the biggest fan of this on first tasting but after coming back to it and letting it oxidize a bit, I find it a much friendlier dram to share the moment with.
Kate – This exemplifies why I don’t like highlands. For me, it’s very one-note. It’s bitter, it’s okay, with a slightly acidic quality. Nothing to balance it. You really have to work to get there with this one. I’m at the point in my life where I shouldn’t have to work so hard to get to where a scotch is good.
Bill – I love the Tullibardine 15. I thought it was complex in a good way. I didn’t mind the work, since it kept evolving on me, especially the nose. Everything was new and fun. The taste rode the honey/heather bit for me, a steady wave. Everything else is attached to that core and flicked bits of surprise here and there.
There are good things here, but you have to work for it.
Henry – Unwatered, the nose has a heathery funk that borders on the unpleasant. Nose it just right, and light and lovely florals emerge. Change the angle ever so slightly, and they are gone. The palate opens to dark honey with bold tannins. With water, more honey and less funk emerges, as does some heat. Finish is short and abrupt. There are good things here, but you have to work for it.
