Tullibardine Sherry Finish (40%, OB, 2010)

• 40% ABV, RRP £35 for 70cl
• Score 73/100

What they say: The Tullibardine spirit was re-casked into an Oloroso sherry cask for around 18 months.

Tasting Note: On the nose hints of toffee and apples with an edge of cereal notes, on the palate vanilla and toffee abound with dates and spice.

“Now that is Oloroso!! Outstanding mouthfeel once a pretty standard sherry butt, but now a treat.” Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – 89 points.

What I say: This is a beautiful dram [right up my taste street!]. There is a perfect harmony of sweet fruits from the sherry finish and the distinct Tullibardine whisky distillate flavours come though these and join in the taste sensation. The result is hugely drinkable and difficult to find flaw with, perhaps even if you are not a sherry fan – this whisky shows how it should be done. Not too complex but very very enjoyable.

Colour: Red Copper

Nose: Sweet light and floral, a little like strawberry trifle

Taste: Biscuity cereal malt [typical Tullibardine spirit] with peach and strawberry jam, this whisky is smooth like cream and custard in the mouth.

Finish: Initially a little peppery then long fruity flavours

Would I buy it again: The Tullibardine stable has been rebranded and the equivalent now is their Tullibardine 500. Apparently finished for 12 months in 500 litre sherry butts. By the sounds of it this should be just as good and when the above bottle runs dry, it will be a quick trip to the electronic supermarket for me to get the 500 in!