First Impressions
The 225 Sauternes is one of a trio of cask-finish Tullibardines (alongside Sherry and Burgundy siblings) and arguably the most charming. The number refers to the 225-litre Bordeaux barrique — in this case ex-Sauternes — in which the whisky spends its finishing period after initial ex-bourbon maturation. The result is a Highland malt draped in honeyed stone fruit.
Distillery & Heritage
Tullibardine's French ownership under Picard Vins & Spiritueux gave the distillery ready access to high-quality European wine casks, and the 225 range launched in 2013 alongside the Sovereign. Sauternes, the famous botrytised sweet white from the Graves region of Bordeaux, is made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes affected by noble rot — which is exactly the kind of sticky, concentrated character that leaves its fingerprints on a cask.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The nose is unmistakably wine-cask: apricot jam, honeysuckle, candied lemon peel and marzipan layered over Tullibardine's waxy barley. On the palate, sweet stone fruit leads — peach, apricot, a touch of orange marmalade — then honeyed malt and vanilla move in before a little lime-zest lift on the back end. The finish is medium length, drying gently as apricot and oak take over from the initial honey rush.
Verdict
A well-judged finish that flatters rather than smothers the base spirit. At this price point it's one of the more interesting Sauternes-finished malts on the market and a great bottle for anyone who loves Highland honey character with a twist of dessert wine.
