This is a kind of surprising drink. It has some of that gross bread mineral flavor, but there is also a floral sweetness to it that adds balance. It's light, but nicely balanced. There's some bitter bite from the wood that I wish were tempered by charring (or better - toasting). As it progresses though more toffee comes out. It could use some more age and some less bite from the barrel, but as a cheap option it is pretty good. There is honey and there is plenty of fruit. It's more than just pear. There's a kind of herbal medicinal elelement to the barrel. I get mango with a bit on clover honey, vanilla, orange blossom mixed with rose blossom. If all of the flavors were aged several more together in an interesting cask (bourbon, port, Sauternes, etc.), this could be a magnificent drink. As it is, this is fine, but not rich or married enough. I would definitely sip this, but I wouldn't want to buy a bottle.
About this bottle
This non-chill-filtered cask strength whisky is the first release in the Marquess Collection by Tullibardine, an independent, family-owned distillery. Distilled in 2004, this single malt whisky is aged in first-fill bourbon barrels. It is bottled at 112 proof with no age statement.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 15 parsed reviews.
I don't understand why this is so lowly rated. CM and Joe are on the money. This is a quality dram. 20 was good. Sauternes was crap (prior to my Dramfest dram and then in slightly upgraded to average). This was very good. Perfect balance. I'm a sucker for first fill bourbon and this delivered. I had no idea what abv this was until the distributor told me. I was amazed. 4.25. Update I bought this for $75USD vs the $160 I thought it was. Much better VFM!
Fragrant nose, with wine must, black pepper, vanilla, and cantaloupe coming through before you take your first sip. Medium bodied, with fresh grapes and citrus notes over the palate. The finish is long, spicy and fairly smooth, even at 56.1% ABV. Overall a complex and delicious dram.
If wine finishes are your thing, this bottle is for you. It's "Shut up and take my money" whisky. There's fresh grapes, wine must, vanilla, a certain pepperiness, and oak. It all comes together superbly, with a finish that is quite long.
N: fruit juice, malt, buttery vanilla P: citrus, refreshing honeydew melon notes, malty caramel F: chewy; rolling this one over a lot, caramelised sugars, butterscotch, little tingle of spice. Distiller whisky taste #13
Pear skin, cashew, toffee, chocolate, very nuanced. Well balanced, considering the heat. Heat is only in the finish. Well crafted.
9 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
Tastes like this
Same style and price bracket, best rated first.
