Tullibardine 500 Sherry Finish

Over the last few weeks I was able to try the Sovereign, 225, & 228 expressions, and liked each one better then the last. Now with this 500 sherry finish let’s see if the trend continues. The sherry is the star on the nose, with dark fruits coming out first. Reminiscent of children’s cherry cough syrup, but not in a sweet way, just the concentrated way. After some time to breathe the malt comes in next, with hints of dark cocoa dancing in and out. It’s not boring, but it is a little flat footed. Palate doesn’t deliver anything new, but what’s there is good. Starts off slick and oily which is a plus, giving you time to enjoy the robust cereal and honey medley this offers. Baking spice is next up, really doing it’s best to bring a little effervescence to that rich umami that’s been there for both front and mid palate. After that there isn’t much else. Finish lingers about medium in length, with some warm oaky tannins that are just a bit on the bitter side. Overall this is a tasty dram, but the extra syrupy sherry influence isn’t super exciting. Perhaps I’m a bit spoiled now and just more inclined to looking for funky adventures.

Gifts are a funny thing, especially from family. I was impressed when a family member (who is not one for selecting whiskies) presented this bottle of Tullibardine 500 Sherry Finish to me. I tend to be a gift minimalist, in that there's not much I need and more often than not, I hold onto well-intended gifts for too long out of guilt. Tullibardine claims a long history in Scotland as a drink purveyor since 1488. In the case of Tullibardine 500, this whisky spends time in both ex bourbon barrels and Spanish sherry cask butts. Nose is festive: clove, honey, apple and orange rind feels like a hot toddy by itself. Sip brings a rush of heat and visions of spiced sugar plums and oak with a relatively short finish. While this whisky may not inspire me to start dancing the Nutcracker, this whisky carries a sweetness and soul of the sherry cask that housed it that does make me smile. Tullibardine 500 is perfect for lovers of deep spice and sherry. What the spice rush detracts (for me) is made up for with its elegant, embossed, heavy-bottomed glass bottle. 7.5/10

I love everything about this whisky. Smell is great makes me want to bite into it. Great on the palate and very smooth. Tried 3 different ones after this one and havnt found one more satisfying then this one. Love it ❤