Whisky Review/Tasting: Tullibardine The Murray

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tullibardine, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Distilled in 2004, matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, and finished in Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine casks.
Age Statement: No age statement, but distilled in 2004 and bottled in early 2017, making it approximately 12 years old.
Color and Bottle Design: Light, fresh color with hints of red from the wine cask finishing. The bottle is part of the Marques collection, celebrating the heritage between the distillery and the hamlet of Tullibardine. It features the Murray, in honor of Sir William Mure.

Balance of Flavors: A balance of fruitiness with a subtle sweetness, complemented by a hint of spiciness and cocoa.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky has a fresh, fruity profile with notes of berries (raspberries, black currants, blackberries), a hint of cherries, and a slight chocolatey-ness. It is not as sweet as sherry-finished whiskies, offering a unique freshness and a mouth-filling experience without bitterness.
Comparison: While it has the fruitiness often associated with sherry-finished whiskies, its unique use of Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine casks introduces a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart.

Distillery Ownership: Tullibardine was bought by the French company Picard Vin & Spiritueux in 2011, which invested significantly in the distillery.
Historical Anecdotes: The whisky celebrates Sir William Mure and the Jacobite rebellion. It also references the Highlander Charge, a battle tactic used by the Scottish.
King James IV: The label features "1488" and a crown, commemorating King James IV's visit to Tullibardine, where he purchased beer for his entourage.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Influence: The finishing in Chateauneuf-du-Pape casks not only contributes to the whisky's flavor profile but also ties it to the rich wine heritage of the Rhone region in France.
Scottish Heritage: The whisky's storytelling elements, including references to the Jacobite rebellion and the Highlander Charge, underscore its deep Scottish roots and historical significance.

"It's a very nice bottle and the color of the whisky is uncolored, so we can talk about the color. And it's nice." - Horst GLuening
"It's a big mouth-filling whisky and some spiciness on the tongue coming probably from those French wine casks." - Benedikt
"It's very interesting to see a whisky maturing from the different samples we had and to decide when it's enough, when to stop." - Horst GLuening

Tullibardine The Murray is a single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 2004 and bottled in 2017, aged approximately 12 years.
Matured in first-fill bourbon barrels and finished in Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine casks, offering a unique, fresh, and fruity flavor profile with a hint of spiciness and cocoa.
Celebrates Scottish heritage and historical figures, with a nod to French wine culture through its maturation process.
Noted for its uncolored appearance, part of the Marques collection, and its connection to historical events and figures like Sir William Mure and King James IV.
Recommended for those who appreciate wine-influenced whiskies and premium spirits, but it is a German market exclusive.

Wine Enthusiasts: Individuals with a palate for wine will find the wine cask finishing intriguing and a delightful bridge between the worlds of whisky and wine.
History Buffs: Those interested in Scottish history and heritage may appreciate the storytelling and historical references associated with this whisky.
Whisky Collectors: Collectors looking for unique or market-exclusive whiskies might find Tullibardine The Murray a worthy addition, especially given its limited availability outside Germany.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Aficionados seeking a whisky with a distinct flavor profile that differs from the typical sherry or bourbon cask finishes will likely enjoy the nuances brought by the Chateauneuf-du-Pape casks.