Tullibardine 9 years 2013 - 2023 Benchmark

Tullibardine is a charming Highland distillery known for its elegant and approachable style. In this special bottling by Murray McDavid – part of the Benchmark series – the whisky takes on an adventurous twist with a finish in a 1st Fill Koval Four-Grain cask. These barrels, sourced from a small artisanal distillery in Chicago, add a unique layer of complexity to the character of this young yet expressive single malt.

The result is a vibrant whisky that combines classic Highland elements with a surprising American edge. Perfect for those who enjoy experimentation with balance.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Soft aromas of vanilla, ripe pear and sweet malt, followed by a spicy undertone of cinnamon and a hint of cornbread. The Koval influence adds a light floral and grainy lift to the whole.

Palate

Fresh and creamy with notes of honey, baked apple and butterscotch. The four grains create a subtle interplay of sweet and spicy, with hints of nutmeg and lightly toasted cereals.

Finish

Medium in length and pleasantly warming, with a gentle touch of oak, some citrus zest and a whisper of vanilla.

Tullibardine Distillery

Tullibardine Distillery is located in the picturesque town of Blackford, at the foot of the Ochil Hills in Perthshire, Scotland. Founded in 1949 by William Delmé-Evans, the distillery is on the site of a former 12th-century brewery. These historical roots give Tullibardine a rich tradition in both beer and whisky production.

A unique feature of Tullibardine is the use of pure water from the Danny Burn, which contributes to the clarity and freshness of their whiskies. Tullibardine is known for its smooth, creamy and fruity whiskies with notes of vanilla, apple, pear and subtle spices. The whiskies are matured in a variety of cask types, including ex-bourbon, sherry and wine casks, making for a rich and complex taste experience.

Tullibardine offers a wide range of single malts, from standard bottlings to special editions. The combination of a historic location, craftsmanship and high-quality whiskies makes Tullibardine a respected name in the world of Scotch single malt whisky.

Murray McDavid

Murray McDavid is an independent Scottish bottler founded in 1994 by Mark Reynier, Simon Coughlin, and Gordon Wright. The company is known for its innovative approach to whisky, focusing on selecting high-quality casks and experimenting with unique maturation processes.

Murray McDavid bottles whisky from different distilleries, both single malts and blended malts, and often introduces secondary maturities in different types of casks, such as wine, rum or sherry casks, to create complex flavour profiles. They have several series such as "Mission Gold," "Benchmark," and "Cask Craft."

An important aspect of Murray McDavid is their focus on transparency. They provide detailed information about the origin of the whisky, the casks used and the ageing time, which makes them popular among connoisseurs and collectors. In 2013, Murray McDavid was acquired by Aceo Ltd, which expanded their ability to continue producing unique whiskies. Murray McDavid's bottlings are often praised for their quality and the creative way they combine traditional whisky techniques with modern innovations.