Tullibardine228BurgundyCaskFinish(700mL)

<p>Highlander by the look. Highlander by character. Love it.</p><p>If we set out to find the oldest brewing and distilling spot in Scotland, <em>Tullibardine </em>would definitely be in the running. Back in the 15th century,<em> King James IV</em>—<em>a young, strapping lad</em>—made a stop at the local brewery here on the way to his coronation. Heck, wouldn’t you? This is recorded as the first <em>“official” </em>purchase of beer in kingdom (though we think it fair to say that there were quite a few <em>“unofficial”</em> purchases being made at the time). The name <em>Tullibardine </em>means “vantage point” in Gaelic and originates from a little medieval chapel, set up in 1446 near the distillery. </p><p>The old brewery was transformed into a distillery back in about <em>1946 </em>and has become a solid maker of single-malt Whiskey. They produce their signature Whisky, several finished<em> “double-wood”</em> Whiskies, and some older limited editions. </p><p><em>Tullibardine </em>has a very interesting naming system for their finished wood Scotch Whiskies. They call their standard single-malt <em>“Sovereign”</em> a marriage of young and older Whiskies. The finished wood products are aged one more year in various barrels types and named for the size of the finishing barrel. <em>Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Finish</em> is so-called because the Burgundy wine barrels are traditionally <em>228 liters</em> in size. Makes a little sense, right? </p><p>Another thing about <em>Tullibardine </em>is that the distillery literally sits on the geographic boundary between the Highlands and the Lowlands. But <em>Tullibardine Whiskies</em> are distilled like a Highlander, look like a Highlander, and drink like a <em>Highlander</em>. Love it. And the finishing of Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Finish is really good too, so you get that influence without the spirit being overwhelmed.</p><p><u>Smartass corner:</u><em>The name Tullibardine means “vantage point” in Gaelic and originates from a little medieval chapel, set up in 1446 near the distillery.</em></p>