Review by: The Muskox

For my first review of 2019, I’ve got a dram poured for me by my good buddy (thanks dude!) at his New Year’s party last night. This was the first dram of the night, and definitely the only one I bothered to take notes on.

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Distillery: Tullibardine.

Bottler: Official bottling.

Region: Highlands.

ABV: 43%.

Age: No age statement.

Cask type: Finished in Burgundy red wine casks.

Price: $92 CAD.

Color: Pinkish, presumably with e150. Chill-filtered.

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Nose:

Sweet and syrupy, but closed. I can already tell this’ll need some water. Cherry, cotton candy, and some deeper notes of malted barley and brown sugar.

Half a water bottle capful of water opened this one right up. Now there’s sugar-glazed red fruit and berries, along with orange peel, milk chocolate, nutmeg, and a touch of cinnamon. Swedish Berries, or maybe Swedish Fish (I’m pretty sure they’re the same?).

Palate: Creamy texture, considering the proof. There’s a hit of dried cherries up front, with cinnamon and a slight unexpected salty note. Develops into honey, then dries into oak, leather, and a touch of anise.

Finish: Medium-length. Sweeter again here. More sweet, syrupy fruit, blood orange, and some dark chocolate.

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Conclusion: Not bad. Man, water really helped this one. It went from “pretty lame” without the water, to “wow, this opened up nicely and is pretty good”, to “meh, not quite as interesting as I thought” a few minutes later. The wine definitely comes through, and aside from the simplicity, it doesn’t seem too young. Definitely better than the 500 sherry finish that I reviewed ages ago. That’s not saying too much though.

Final Score: 74.

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)