Tullibardine 8 Years 2015/2023 - Signatory Vintage
The 8 years Tullibardine - # 2 in Signatory Vintage's 100 proof series - was distilled in 2015, bottled in winter 2023 and sold out within hours, as did the other 2 bottlings in the series. And rightly so? At 57.1% ABV, the alcohol content of the bottlings corresponds exactly to the minimum level at which gunpowder soaked in alcohol ignites - or 100 British proof.
Tasting Notes
Nose
This single malt whisky from the Scottish Highlands opens with an earthy, crisp flavour, like a real sherry. The typical profile is played out here: Dark, red fruits, cereal maltiness, dark chocolate and a dash of oak spice. Very classic, very intense - the cask has really delivered here. However, the secondary notes of root vegetables such as beetroot and carrots are exciting.
Palate
The colour already shows what is to come. The flavour of the Tullibardine 8 years is also really progressive. We taste dark fruits and a handful of blackberries in an equally earthy, powerful and full-bodied, oily flavour. We also encounter the maltiness from the nosing again here. The fruity-fresh distillery character comes through in some places, but is kept very small by the cask.
Finish
The Highlander has a slightly salty, yet fruity finish over a long period of time.
Thoughts
Marcel 82/100
A genuine sherry tornado with plenty of punch – this Tullibardine really hits hard and is a lot of fun if you enjoy intense, fruity yet earthy aromas. A bargain for fans of powerful Highlanders, it charms with its rugged character but doesn’t hold back.
Sascha 83/100
This bottling impresses with a clear, intense sherry cask influence and a balanced structure of fruit, malt, and spice that doesn’t feel overwhelmed despite the high 57.1% ABV. Still, the whisky’s complexity comes across as somewhat rough around the edges and might seem too dominant for purists with a more sensitive palate.
Value for Money: Excellent
💸 This whisky offers an outstanding value for money and is our value pick.
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Why does the Tullibardine 8 Years 2015/2023 have such a high alcohol content of 57.1%?
The high alcohol content of 57.1% ABV corresponds to 100 British proof and is typical for the 100 Proof series from Signatory Vintage. It ensures a more intense aromatic profile and reflects the cask strength at which the whisky was bottled.
What role does the sherry cask play in the flavor development of this Tullibardine whisky?
The sherry cask imparts the whisky’s earthy and fruity notes, such as dark red fruits, bitter chocolate, and a spicy oak component. It provides the intense color and the classic sherry-typical aromas that shape the tasting experience.
How does the Tullibardine 8 Years 2015/2023 differ from other Highland single malts?
This whisky stands out through its combination of robust maltiness, earthy sherry notes, and an unusual secondary note of root vegetables. Additionally, the high alcohol content delivers a full, intense flavor experience with a long-lasting, slightly salty finish.