Tullibardine Sauterness Cask

Score: 60

Tullibardine Sauternes Cask, officially the 225 Finish, entered the tasting with a golden glow and a dessert wine pedigree. Bottled at 43%, it’s a Highland single malt finished in 225-litre casks that previously held Sauternes, the luscious French sweet wine. Expectations were high for a dram that could marry fruit, spice, and creamy indulgence. The nose was very malty, with lemon and melon leading the charge. From the spice rack, there was vanilla and just a pinch of black pepper. Something buttery gave it a creamy texture, and a little sour edge, likely from the wine, added intrigue. On the palate, it started fresh and fruity, with a surprising burst of spice. Then it mellowed into a creamy sweetness: Seville oranges, juicy melon, and dried pineapple. Quite pleasant, if not groundbreaking. The finish was medium-long, beginning with a spicy kick before flattening out rather quickly. It didn’t linger or evolve much, but it left a clean impression. In the club’s lineup of six, it landed fourth. Respectable, but not memorable. It had charm and balance, but lacked the wow factor needed to climb higher. A solid mid-tier performer, pleasant, well-made, and a great example of how wine cask finishes can add dimension without overwhelming the spirit. But in a tasting full of bold personalities, this one played it safe.