Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 43%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon first fill
Chillfiltered: Yes
Addional coloring: Yes
Owner: Picard Vins et Spiriteux
Average price: € 40.00
Official website: www.tullibardine.com
Vote: 82/100
I dig out a sample of whisky left among the hundred or so I’ve put aside, returning to the core range of a distillery that is not exactly top-notch.
Debuting in 2013 with the total restyling of their portfolio, the Sovereign ideally replaces the old Aged Oak Edition, sharing its maturation in first-fill ex-bourbon casks for about five years (not stated).
A decidedly attractively priced introductory whisky, with the non-trivial choice to go beyond the minimum strength without artificial intervention.
Tasting notes
Rather light, the olfactory compartment is a bit of a bignami of ripeness: white fruit (apple, banana, pear), vanilla, honey drop, malt biscuit, buttery notes and a discreet mineral vein. Over time it becomes warmer and more full-bodied, with butter and honey in first position but with the freshness of minerality to balance. Pleasant in its simplicity.
On the palate, the alcohol content gives it some substance, with a good viscosity that drags a touch of ginger and pepper over the fruity notes in which apples and pears dominate with a hint of banana and peach, all spread over a cereal and malt biscuit. The vegetal component raises its voice, at times revealing balsamic velleities with some menthol impressions, while the mineral part takes more space over time.
Not very long finish with some spicy touches, mineral and vegetal notes, pears, malt.
An introductory whisky that does its job, perhaps even with a few extra cues, a good viaticum to bring a few friends into the dark side of whisky.