Tullibardine whiskies

History

Blackford has a long history as a brewing site, thanks to the quality of its water, and local tradition says that a Scottish king bought beer there at the end of the 15th century. The current distillery was built at the end of the forties, on the site of an old brewery, by a well-known distillery designer. For decades its whisky went into blends. It closed in the mid-nineties and, at the beginning of this century, a group of investors reopened it. In 2011 it was bought by Picard Vins & Spiritueux, which promoted its own malt and its presence in France.

House style

Tullibardine’s style is smooth and fruity: honey, vanilla, orchard fruit, citrus and a touch of cereal and spice, with a light to medium body. Sovereign matures in first-fill bourbon casks, which add sweetness and vanilla. The range includes versions finished in wine, sherry and port casks. It uses no peat. It is a clean, friendly malt with a medium, sweet finish.

Where to start

Tullibardine Sovereign is the catalogue’s expression and a good gateway to Highland malts: smooth, sweet and full of vanilla. You’ll like it if you are after a simple, affordable malt. Drink it neat, with a few drops of water or on the rocks. If you like it, try its wine cask finished versions. It is a good alternative to the better-known light Speyside malts.

• Tullibardine SovereignSingle malt · 43% ABV