Tullibardine Sovereign - 70cl/43%

Tullibardine Distillery, located in Blackford, Perthshire, at the gateway to the Highlands, has roots in brewing dating back to 1488, when King James IV purchased beer there—the first recorded public beer sale in Scotland. Converted into a distillery in 1947-1949 by William Delmé-Evans (architect of Jura and Glenallachie), it was the first new distillery built in Scotland since 1900. Mothballed in the 1990s, it reopened in 2003 and was acquired in 2011 by French family-owned Picard Vins & Spiritueux (Terroirs Distillers). It uses pure spring water from the Ochil Hills and focuses on elegant, fruity Highland single malts with innovative cask finishes.

Tullibardine Sovereign is the signature entry-level Highland single malt, a non-age-statement expression matured exclusively in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. Bottled at 43% ABV without chill-filtration or added colouring, it showcases the distillery’s light, floral and fruity spirit style. Launched in 2013 as part of a major portfolio refresh, Sovereign serves as an approachable introduction to Tullibardine’s elegant, bourbon-influenced Highland character with vibrant fruit and malt notes.

Nosing: Fresh and floral with green apple, pear, vanilla, honey, sweet malt biscuit and subtle white chocolate; light citrus and creamy notes.

Palate: Light to medium-bodied and smooth; flavors of ripe pear, apple, honey, vanilla, white chocolate, gentle spice and toasted oak; balanced sweetness with creamy texture.

Finish: Medium length, clean with lingering pear, vanilla fudge, soft spice and a touch of mineral freshness.