Berry Bros & Rudd Tullibardine 1993 Whisky Drop

With over 300 years of history, Berry Bros. & Rudd is justly proud of its past. In 1698, the Widow Bourne established a shop at No. 3 St James’s Street. Over three centuries later, with two Royal Warrants and six Masters of Wine, the family business continues to flourish, with its heart still very much at No. 3. In 1998, two years before the start of a new century, Berry Bros. & Rudd celebrated 300 years in business. H.R.H. The Prince of Wales marked the run-up to the 300th anniversary celebrations in 1997 with the award of Berry Bros. & Rudd’s second Royal Warrant.

Tullibardine as a location for brewing and distilling is one of the oldest in Scotland dating back to 1488 when a young King James, iv of Scotland, stopped by before his coronation to purchase beer from the local brewery. This brewery was known for producing fine beer as a result of the local water source. In 1947 William Delmé-Evans began converting the brewery into the Tullibardine distillery. Upon testing the water from the nearby springs, Delmé-Evans knew he had found the perfect location for distilling whisky. This month’s selection was distilled in 1993, a year before Tullibardine closed for a good while, and was aged in a hogshead for nearly three decades before being bottled at 48.9% ABV.

Nose – Waxy peels and hints of leafy herbs, rounded by hints of mature oak.

Palate – Softly fruity on the palate – white grape, fried banana, more citrus. The old oak returns, with a smidge of smokiness to it.

Finish – A long finish, dotted with pepper and anise.