Firkin 49: Tullibardine 2012 Oloroso & Amontillado - 48.9%

 

Although an independent bottler, Firkin Whiskies approach is a little more left field and owes much to the experimental nature of founder, Mike Collings.

Their approach involves taking a whisky of around 10 years old and giving it  second maturation in a custom 'double oak cask', seasoned with a fortified wine specifically chosen to match the spirit.

Bottled at 48.9%, natural colour and non-chillfiltered.

From the Top Whiskies website:

Tullibardine Distillery was founded in 1949, the same year as Mike Collings, the Firkin Founder. The distillery is at the gateway to the Highlands, close by the Ochil Hills about 50 miles north-west of Edinburgh.

To make this Firkin whisky, Firkin Whisky Company took a 2012 Tullibardine matured in a first fill Bourbon barrel, which is a pretty good dram. But with the magic of two types of sherry and their double wood custom casks, they transformed it into an outstanding whisky.

The 50/50 combination of Amontillado and Oloroso sherries gives you a unique profile. It’s creamy, rounded and nutty, with elements of dried fruit

It’s so soft & nutty; Firkin 49 single malt is an extraordinary Firkin whisky.

Tasting notes:

Appearance: Old gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow, thick legs.

Nose: Stewed apple, butterscotch Angel Delight, stone fruit, honey, vanilla and a little woody oak.

Palate: A soft, luxurious mouthfeel, tropical fruit, fig rolls, dried fruit, hazelnuts, toasted almonds and cinnamon. Water brings out more fruitiness. 

Finish: Mild oak nuttiness and tannic astringency with a little warming spice.

Summary: A lovely nose and mouthfeel, improved even more by a few drops of water, and a palate full of fruit and a little nuttiness. By no means a sherry bomb but the influence is unmistakeable and adds layer upon layer of flavours and aromas to the ex-bourbon spirit. 

Tullibardine core range are whiskies I often find a little underwhelming but this is a great example of how good they could be with a little help from a sympathetic cask.

If you would like more information on Firkin Whisky follow the link to the company website. Firkin whiskies are available at Top Whiskies, just click on the image below to explore their full range.