Tullibardine The Sovereign is made from stocks of whisky only distilled under the new / current owner, is at least 5 years old and comes from first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels. It’s essentially the exact same thing as the Tullibardine Aged Oak Edition and from what I can see it appears to just be a re-branding of that expression. Though tasting them side by side produces decidedly different results.
In the distillery’s words: Tullibardine The Sovereign
“Tullibardine’s signature single malt has been matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels. The Sovereign is beautifully golden with its floral, sweet barley notes and subtle hints of vanilla. On the finish there is fudge pear drops and soft spice.”
My notes rarely line up with the distillery’s, but it’s been known to happen from time to time. Let’s see how they hold up in the Tullibardine The Sovereign review below!
Tullibardine The Sovereign Info
Region: Highlands, Scotland
Distiller: Tullibardine
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: NAS (5 Years)
ABV: 43%
Price: $45
Tullibardine The Sovereign Review
EYE
Golden hay
NOSE
Apples, pears, honey, malty sweetness, Corn Pops and a bit of graham, spice and Tootsie Rolls. There’s a nice maltiness to it that gives it a sweet and earthy structure that I almost enjoy.
PALATE
Green apples, malty sweetness, pears, honey, fresh pastries, chocolate Necco Wafers, banana taffy and a wee bit of spice and spirity vanilla. Not robust, but not terrible either.
FINISH
Medium chalky fade of apples, honey, malt and cocoa Necco.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, medium body and a soft light feel.
OVERALL
Tullibardine The Sovereign fulfills some of my wishes for the Aged Oak Edition and all-in-all delivers a richer experience thanks in part to the exclusive use of first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and a slightly higher proof. There’s still room for improvement as the aroma and palate are still rather topical and don’t carry a sense of depth or complexity.
Between the Tullibardine The Sovereign and the AOE I’ve noticed a common thread of chalkiness and what I call “candy cocoa”. Notes that kind of remind me of chocolate, but come across more like chocolate flavored candy. Think along the lines of the chocolate Necco Wafers, Twizzlers or Tootsie Rolls. Being only two whiskies it could just be a common thread between these 2… good thing I’m reviewing another one next!
SCORE: 81/100 (B-)