Whisky Review/Tasting: Tullibardine 225 Sauternes Finish

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tullibardine Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation/Maturation: Finished in Sauternes casks from the Bordeaux region of France, specifically using French Limousin oak. The finishing period lasted for 12 months.
Age Statement: No specific age statement provided, but inferred to be at least 5-7 years old based on taste analysis.
Color and Bottle Design: Described as a wonderful golden color, which is uncolored, indicating the natural hue derived from the Sauternes casks. The bottle design specifics were not discussed, but the focus was on the whisky's color and clarity.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a complex interplay of citrus, cereal, and oak flavors, with a notable influence from the Sauternes cask finishing.
Unique Characteristics: The initial citron flavor transitions to orange, complemented by chocolate and coffee notes. The vanilla presence is very faint, suggesting the use of refill and re-refill ex-bourbon casks prior to the Sauternes finish.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, it is mentioned to be not as extremely good as the Tullibardine 228 Burgundy finish but still highly regarded.

Distillery Background: Tullibardine Distillery, having been reopened in the early 2000s, is now owned by a French company, which has facilitated access to high-quality Sauternes casks from France.
Cask Significance: The "225" in the whisky's name refers to the 225-liter capacity of the Sauternes casks used for finishing, highlighting the distillery's innovative approach to cask selection.

Sauternes Influence: The use of Sauternes casks from the Bordeaux region adds a layer of cultural significance, connecting Scottish whisky craftsmanship with French winemaking traditions.
Geographical Connection: The collaboration between the Scottish distillery and French chateaus underscores the global nature of whisky production and the exchange of techniques and materials across borders.

"This one is very well made... For a mid-thirties Euro-dollar-pound whisky, This is good, really good." - Horst Luening, highlighting the whisky's quality and value.
"The finishing had been for 12 months... The alcohol is barely smellable." - Comments on the maturation process and the subtle presence of alcohol in the aroma.

Tullibardine 225 Sauternes Finish is a single malt Scotch whisky with a unique finishing process in Sauternes casks.
The whisky exhibits a golden color and a flavor profile rich in citrus, cereal, and oak, with a notable influence from the Sauternes casks.
The distillery's French ownership and access to Sauternes casks add a layer of cultural and geographical significance.
Expert opinions commend the whisky for its craftsmanship and value, despite a perceived lack of complexity compared to other expressions.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals with an interest in the influence of wine cask finishing on whisky will find this expression intriguing.
Beginners: The friendly taste and absence of a strong alcohol aroma make it accessible for those new to whisky.
Value Seekers: Given its quality at a mid-range price point, this whisky offers good value for those looking to explore beyond entry-level offerings without breaking the bank.