Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Finish | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Tullibardine Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Finished in Burgundy casks from Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet, specifically 228-liter casks, indicating the volume of the casks used for finishing.
Age Statement: No specific age statement, but the cask finishing gives it an appearance of being an older whisky.
Color: Reddish-brown, uncolored, showcasing its natural hue derived from the Burgundy casks.
Clarity: Not specifically mentioned, but implied to be clear given the unchill-filtered process.
Bottle Design: Features a year 1488 on the label, referencing a historical event related to King James IV of Scotland, with a modernized appearance moving from a burgundy colored card box to a darker gray tone while retaining a burgundy banderole.

Balance of Flavors: Begins with a creamy, oily, sweet note transitioning to spiciness and mouthwatering qualities, ending with a dry and lightly spicy aftertaste.
Unique Characteristics: The use of Limousin oak casks from France contributes to an unusual aromatic oakiness and a special fruitiness not commonly found in Scotch whiskies.
Flavor Notes: Summer fruits, particularly red and ripe ones, vanilla, spiciness, and a notable creamy and oily texture.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but its unique use of Burgundy casks and Limousin oak sets it apart in flavor profile.

Historical Anecdote: The year 1488 on the bottle references King James IV of Scotland's visit to the brewery (now the distillery site) after his coronation in London, marking a significant historical event.
Ownership Changes: The distillery has seen several ownership changes, including a transition to a French winemaker company, which has influenced the whisky's maturation process and flavor profile through access to unique wine casks.

French Influence: The ownership by a French company and the use of Burgundy casks from a specific chateau in France highlight a strong French influence on this Scotch whisky, blending Scottish distillation traditions with French winemaking heritage.
Geographical Connection: The proximity of the distillery to the Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet and the use of specific regional casks emphasize the geographical significance and collaboration between Scottish and French cultures.

"Wonderfully made, so I like that." - Praise for the whisky's quality and flavor profile.
"It's a bargain." - Comment on the whisky's value for its price point (30 euros 90 cents).

Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Finish is a unique single malt Scotch whisky finished in 228-liter Burgundy casks from Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet, showcasing a reddish-brown color and a flavor profile rich in summer fruits, vanilla, and spiciness.
The whisky's bottle design and historical references, including the year 1488, add depth to its storytelling aspect.
The French influence, through both ownership and the use of specific casks, plays a significant role in the whisky's character, blending Scottish and French traditions.
Expert opinions highlight the whisky's well-crafted flavor profile and exceptional value for its price.

Whisky Enthusiasts interested in exploring unique cask finishes and the influence of wine casks on Scotch whisky.
Value Seekers looking for high-quality whisky at an affordable price point.
Cultural Explorers intrigued by the fusion of Scottish distillation and French winemaking traditions.
History Buffs drawn to whiskies with rich historical narratives and connections to significant events or figures.