Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 55%
Ageing cask: Ex-Bourbon, finished in ex-Wine
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Astrolabio
Average price: € 150.00
Official webiste: www.astrolabiospirits.com
The two selectors (because “bottlers” is too limiting for them) from Veneto region return to whisky after collaborating with the Irish Boann and delving into the world of grappa (Selenite) and rum (Taino), releasing in July 2025 a bottling of Scotch whisky, as always finished in casks from renowned wine cellars, in line with their philosophy.
For this Tullibardine, after ten years spent in first fill ex-bourbon casks, a second passage of one year in a Châteauneuf du Pape cask cask from St. Patrice was chosen, a wine from the Rhône Valley in France, seen very rarely (if ever) in the aging of whisky.
The packaging is, as always, elegant and refined, where the reference to the world of wine is evident from the wooden case that contains the 280 produced bottles, and from the name, which pays homage to the sacred staff of the wine god, Dionysus.
Tasting Notes
A collection of red fruits on the nose, featuring blackberries, raspberries, ripe plums, and dried figs with almonds, complemented by sweet notes reminiscent of quince apple pie. A hint of nutmeg envelops the aromas, which soon become softer and warmer, revealing notes of vanilla, custard, toffee, and hazelnut cream. In the background, hints of Caribbean cigar tobacco and sandalwood. For such an extended maturation in wine, the aromas are harmonious and elegant, showcasing a beautiful integration of the casks.
On the palate, the balances change, the spiciness becomes more pronounced with the addition of ginger and black pepper, and a rich citrus component appears between pink grapefruit and red orange, joining the already present color palette from the nose. Fresh and sparkling, with vegetal notes of tobacco and black tea alongside nuts (pecans, almonds) and a hint of sweet licorice. Over time, the red fruit is dominated by ripe blackberries and plums, almost jam-like, while the pastry aspect takes a back seat, with echoes of shortcrust pastry and candied fruits.
The finale is quite long, with spices, citrus, and red fruits, tobacco, licorice, and wood.
Review: On the palate, the maturation upends the delightful balances of the nose, while maintaining a level of elegance and sobriety that you wouldn’t expect from this aging. Tullibardine is not exactly in the top ten of my favorite distilleries, and it’s maybe the distillate that lacks body and substance for a whisky that is otherwise well-constructed and engaging.
Vote: 87/100