A Highland Single Malt gorgeous on the eyes and on the palate.
If we set out to find the oldest brewing and distilling spot in Scotland, Tullibardine would definitely be in the running. Back in the 15th century, King James IV — a young, strapping man — stopped in to the local brewery here on the way to his coronation. The old brewery was transformed into a distillery back in 1946 and has become a solid maker of Single Malt Whisky. They produce their signature 10-year, several finished "double-wood" Whiskies, and some older limited editions.
Tullibardine Châteauneuf du Pape Single Malt stems from their Marquess line nicknamed “The Murray” after Sir William Murray, the second Marquess of Tullibardine. The first thing that will strike you is the gorgeous color — a brilliant garnet-russet hue that is candy to the eyes. This new release was distilled in 2005 and aged in first-fill American oak before being finished in Wine barriques from the South of France — the famous Châteauneuf du Pape estate. It was bottled just this year with no chill-filtering at a perfect 46% ABV.
Smartass corner:
The name Tullibardine means "vantage point" in Gaelic and originates from the name given to a little medieval chapel on a hill near the distillery that dates back to 1446.