Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Cask Finish

Highlander by the look. Highlander by character. Love it.

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 lad—made a stop at the local brewery here on the way to his coronation. Heck, wouldn't you? This is recorded as the first "official" purchase of beer in kingdom (though we think it fair to say that there were quite a few "unofficial" purchases being made at the time). The name Tullibardine means "vantage point" in Gaelic and originates from a little medieval chapel, set up in 1446 near the distillery.

The old brewery was transformed into a distillery back in about 1946 and has become a solid maker of single-malt Whiskey. They produce their signature Whisky, several finished "double-wood" Whiskies, and some older limited editions.

Tullibardine has a very interesting naming system for their finished wood Scotch Whiskies. They call their standard single-malt “Sovereign” a marriage of young and older Whiskies. The finished wood products are aged one more year in various barrels types and named for the size of the finishing barrel. Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Finish is so-called because the Burgundy wine barrels are traditionally 228 liters in size. Makes a little sense, right?

Another thing about Tullibardine is that the distillery literally sits on the geographic boundary between the Highlands and the Lowlands. But Tullibardine Whiskies are distilled like a Highlander, look like a Highlander, and drink like a Highlander. Love it. And the finishing of Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Finish is really good too, so you get that influence without the spirit being overwhelmed.

Smartass corner:
The name Tullibardine means "vantage point" in Gaelic and originates from a little medieval chapel, set up in 1446 near the distillery.