Tullibardine distillery

Introduction to Tullibardine

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Tullibardine is a Highland Scotch whisky distillery nestled in the picturesque town of Blackford, Perthshire, at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Surrounded by the stunning Ochil Hills, the distillery benefits from the crystal-clear natural spring water that flows through this pristine landscape—a crucial element in their whisky-making process.

The distillery stands at a historic location on the site of Scotland’s oldest brewery, where King James IV purchased beer to celebrate his coronation in 1488, connecting Tullibardine to the nation’s rich brewing and distilling heritage.

Why we have a soft spot for Tullibardine

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate Tullibardine for its commitment to maintaining traditional Highland whisky-making techniques while constantly exploring new maturation methods. Their willingness to experiment with various cask types—from bourbon and sherry to burgundy and sauternes—creates distinctive flavor profiles that stand out in the crowded Scotch whisky landscape.

The distillery’s small-batch approach ensures attention to detail, and their transparency about production methods makes them a favorite among enthusiasts seeking authentic Highland character with a contemporary twist.

The History Behind Tullibardine

Origin and development

While brewing at the location dates back to the 15th century, Tullibardine as a whisky distillery was established in 1949 by the architect William Delme-Evans. The distillery was built strategically to take advantage of the pure Highland spring water from the nearby Ochil Hills—water that had previously served Scotland’s first public brewery centuries earlier.

After changing hands several times throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Tullibardine experienced a period of dormancy in the 1990s before being revitalized in 2003. In 2011, the distillery was acquired by Picard Vins & Spiritueux, bringing French wine expertise to Scottish whisky traditions and beginning a new chapter of innovation.

The people behind the spirit

Today, Tullibardine is led by a dedicated team of craftspeople who blend time-honored Scottish distilling traditions with contemporary vision. The distillery’s master blender carefully orchestrates each expression, ensuring that the classic Highland character remains while exploring innovative cask finishes.

The relatively modest size of the operation allows for hands-on attention at every stage, with decisions made based on quality rather than quantity—a philosophy that resonates throughout everything they produce.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Tullibardine follows traditional Scottish whisky-making methods, beginning with locally sourced malted barley. The distillery uses a four-ton semi-lauter mash tun, six washbacks made of stainless steel for fermentation, and two pairs of stills (wash and spirit) for distillation.

What makes Tullibardine special is their slow, patient approach to distillation. The stills are operated at a deliberate pace, allowing for optimal copper contact that creates a light, fruity spirit with remarkable clarity—the perfect canvas for subsequent maturation.

The distillery’s annual production capacity of 2.7 million liters reflects their focus on quality over quantity, allowing them to maintain careful oversight of each batch.

Maturation and aging

Maturation at Tullibardine takes place in traditional dunnage warehouses where temperature and humidity remain naturally stable throughout the year. Their core expressions typically mature in ex-bourbon casks, imparting classic vanilla and honey notes to the spirit.

What sets Tullibardine apart is their pioneering work with wine cask finishes. The “Marquess Collection” features whiskies finished in casks that previously held Burgundy, Sauternes, Port, and Sherry, creating unique flavor profiles that highlight both the whisky’s Highland character and the influence of these distinguished wines.

This marriage of Scottish distilling tradition and French wine expertise creates expressions with remarkable depth and distinctiveness.

Selected Products from Tullibardine

Tullibardine Sovereign – An introduction to the house style

Sovereign represents the distillery’s signature style, matured in first-fill bourbon barrels. With notes of vanilla, cocoa, and light pear, followed by a subtle spice, this expression offers an excellent entry point into Tullibardine’s range. Its clean, approachable character makes it perfect for both newcomers to single malts and seasoned enthusiasts.

Tullibardine 15 Year Old – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking greater complexity, the 15 Year Old delivers a more mature expression of the Tullibardine character. Extended aging in American oak brings forth rich notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and spiced honey, complemented by subtle vanilla and a long, warming finish with hints of toasted oak and sweet malt. The balance between fruity distillery character and oak influence makes this a standout in their core range.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Tullibardine offers an excellent visitor experience at their modern visitor center in Blackford. Guided tours take you through the entire whisky-making process, from milling to maturation, with knowledgeable guides explaining each stage along the way.

The standard tour concludes with a tasting of several expressions, while more comprehensive packages offer expanded tastings of premium and limited editions. The on-site shop features exclusive bottlings not available elsewhere, making a visit worthwhile for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tullibardine?

Tullibardine is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in Perthshire, Scotland. It produces whisky with a focus on traditional production methods while innovating through various cask finishes. Their approach combines classic Highland whisky character with creative maturation techniques to create distinctive flavor profiles.

Where is Tullibardine located?

Tullibardine is located in the town of Blackford in Perthshire, Scotland, nestled at the foothills of the Ochil Hills. This location provides the distillery with access to the pure spring water from the hills, which has been used for brewing and distilling at this site since the 15th century.

What characterizes Tullibardine whisky?

Tullibardine is known for its clean, fruity Highland style with notes of vanilla, malt, and pear, complemented by subtle spice. What truly distinguishes the distillery is their innovative approach to cask finishing, particularly with wine casks from their French owners’ vineyards. These finishes add unique dimensions to their whiskies while maintaining the core Highland character.

Where can I buy whisky from Tullibardine?

You can find selected bottles from Tullibardine at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their range to include both their core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to the best that this Highland distillery has to offer, including some exclusive bottlings that showcase their mastery of cask finishing.