A respectable, fresh, fruit-forward dram for a very reasonable price. Very smooth and enjoyable. There's no reason not to try this.
The details
Distillery: Tullibardine (founded 1949), Blackford, Auchterarder
Translation: Tullach Bhardainn, meaning The warning hill
Region: Highland
Bottler: Tullibardine
Age: No age statement
Bottle: 70cl, cork top. A good, well-fitting cork.
Number of bottles: Unknown. Mass produced.
ABV: 43%
Cask type: Bourbon barrels
Barley: Unstated
Yeast: Unstated
Filtered/coloured: Natural colour, non-chill-filtered
Sample date: Tuesday 25th January, 2022
Peated/unpeated: Unpeated
Cost: £25 from Sainsbury's. Reduced from £35. A fairly common offer.
Availability: Easy to get hold of from many supermarkets.
Barcode: 5060074861247
More info: None that I can find.
From the box
"The history of Tullibardine for distilling and brewing is one of the oldest in Scotland. Located in Blackford, the gateway to the Highlands, it was here in 1488 that the young King James IV of Scotland stopped by on his return from his coronation to purchase beer from the local brewery. This is recorded as the first public purchase of beer. In 1947, the brewery was converted to a distillery."
Tasting notes
Eye
Pale gold
Nose
Fresh and light. Fresh malt, pear and bakewell tart. Vanilla showing the bourbon cask influence. Light and pleasant grassy/hay notes. Pineapples and vanilla ice cream. A twist of galia melon. After water, there's a faint hint of menthol that, with the vanilla, reminds me of TicTacs.
SCORE: 18/25
Taste
Fruity arrival, followed by intermingled sweetness and mild spice. Smooth without water. Hints of caramel on the back of the palette. Stewed apples.
It's smooth, but it doesn't feel thin or vacant. The alcohol is well integrated; a satisfying warmth without the burn.
SCORE: 18/25
Finish
Clean finish with soft pears being the consistent theme. More bakewell tart as well. Hints of chocolate and whiffs of white pepper. Some chocolate. Some light coffee.
SCORE: 19/25
Overall
This is a simple dram that doesn't demand attention, but it's not boring either. It's clean and well-balanced. There's nothing in there that shouldn't be.
SCORE: 20/25
Final verdict
For this price point, it's difficult to beat Tullibardine Sovereign. I've seen this offered at £25 before but for some reason never gone for it.
It's a crisp and clean bourbon cask expression for only £25. It's an easy drinker. Fresh, fruity, and smooth. It's not "Wow!", but there's nothing in here that would put anybody off. A good beginner dram. Probably a good flight-starter dram as well—as the alcohol isn't aggressive. I'm impressed and enjoyed this. Well done, Tullibardine. I'm surprised this isn't more popular.
TOTAL: 75/100
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