Anyone who knows Scotch Whisky history understands the importance of the past. Scotch is deeply focused on history: distilling the traditional way, tracing distillery lineages, even the backstory of maturation barrels. But scotch is also a huge a part of Scottish history. Distilleries honor history in many ways, and at Tullibardine Distillery, they honor it with an entire collection. But in order to explore Tullibardine’s Marquess Collection, we first have to explore the distillery’s history — and Scotland’s.
Exploring Tullibardine’s Marquess Collection
Then & Now :: Tullibardine Distillery
Tullibardine Distillery sits at the gateway to the Highlands on one of the oldest brewing sites in Scotland. About an hour away from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, the site started brewing beer in 1488. Since then several distilleries opened and closed, including the current Tullibardine Distillery that opened in 1947 and closed in 1993. But production resumed in 2003 and continues to this day. (You can easily tour Tullibardine Distillery from Edinburgh or Glasgow.)
The core line of Tullibardine focuses on different barrel maturation, with bottles named after the liters in each barrel. The Sovereign, Tullibardine’s signature single malt, ages exclusively in ex-bourbon casks. The 225 finishes in Sauternes casks, the 228 in Burgundy, and the 500 in Sherry.
But we’re not here to talk about the core line of whisky. We’re here to look at Tullibardine’s Marquess Collection, which requires a closer look into Scottish history.
Tullibardine’s Marquess Collection, a Nod to William Murray
The Marquess Collection launched in 2016 to celebrate the distillery’s heritage and connection to the hamlet of Tullibardine. There, in 1445, the Murray Clan built Tullibardine Chapel, now the oldest in Scotland. It’s where the distillery gets its name.
But the Marquess Collection name comes from the historical figures that held the title Marquess of Tullibardine. Specifically the second person to hold the title, Sir William Murray. Famous for fighting in the first Jacobite Rebellion in 1715, Bonnie Prince Charlie chose him to announce the rightful king of Scotland in 1745.
From a whisky standpoint, the Marquess Collection showcases the versatility of the distillery, including experimenting with casks not normally used for whisky. Each expression is a small batch from one distillation year released in limited bottles. (Limited, but not rare. The rare releases fall under the Custodians Collection with only a few hundred bottles available.)
Tullibardine’s Marquess Collection
Tullibardine Distillery releases two Marquess Collection expressions per year. Here’s a look at all of them so far.
The Murray 2004 & The Murray 2005
The first of Tullibardine’s Marquess Collection was The Murray 2004. Matured exclusively in first fill ex-bourbon barrels, it was bottled in 2016 at 56.1% ABV. Described as “characteristically Tullibardine,” it is “a wonderful assortment of aromas and perfectly weighted and balanced.”
Personally, I fell in love with The Murray 2004 before I ever tasted it thanks to the name. I went to a high school called Murray and graduated in 2004, so when I discovered Tullibardine’s whisky I freaked out. The U.S. distributor found me a bottle (thanks Joe!) and I was even more excited when I opened it. It is beautiful! The nose is full of honey, cloves, and burnt sugar; while the palate has ripe banana, creaminess, apricots, and some lemon grass.
The second release, The Murray 2005, also matured in first fill ex-American Oak. Distilled in 2005, it was bottled at 56.3% ABV in 2017. The nose has soft vanilla and fresh summer berry notes. On the palate is vanilla, red fruits, and oak. (Unfortunately, I never got to try this one and now it’s impossible to find.)
The Murray Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Master Blender Keith Geddes completely switched things up with the third Marquess Collection release, The Murray Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It matured in first fill ex-Bourbon then Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine barriques, a French red wine from the Rhone valley. The non-age statement is bottled at 46% ABV.
The red wine casks are a nod to Tullibardine’s owner, Terroirs Distillers. Known for French wines and aperitifs, the French group is based in a small town in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, one of the most famous wine regions in France. It gives the whisky flavors of red fruit, dried spice, and a slightly herbaceous note similar to the wine.
The Murray Châteauneuf-du-Pape is simply beautiful. The nose is full of strawberries, tart cherries, and brown sugar. There is strawberries and cream on the palate, topped with more brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of pepper. There’s enough spice to keep it from being overly sweet and the creaminess is lovely.
The Murray Marsala
The latest Marquess Collection release is The Murray Marsala, finished in Sicilian Marsala wine casks. Master Blender Keith Geddes picked Marsala casks for the curiosity factor. He thought people would find it interesting, and he’s right. The distillery describes it as “a glorious combination of creamy summer fruits, rich milk chocolate, and freshly baked malted biscuits” with “a subtle complexity.” Again, no age statement and bottled at 46% ABV.
I think the nose has familiar nuttiness like sherry, but with more wood and vanilla, and hints of chocolate. The palate is creamy, with cloves and raspberries, vanilla cream, chocolate, and maltiness. It’s complex and, like the Master Blender predicted, interesting.
The Next Murray Release
The next Marquess Collection release will be The Murray 2007. The distillery couldn’t share the exact details but said it will have a “wonderful array of aromas and flavors all working in perfect harmony.”
History & Whisky
The Scotch Whisky industry balances the need to stay true to the past with the need to be forward-thinking. And Tullibardine’s Marquess Collection celebrates both the history of the distillery and the history of Scotland while focusing on innovation and creativity.
For me, the Marquess Collection will always be special because of my personal connection to The Murray 2004. Tullibardine whisky will always bring back memories of visiting Tullibardine Distillery in Scotland, a nod to my own past. And with how much I love The Murray Châteauneuf-du-Pape, I can’t wait to experience the future Marquess Collection releases.
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Related :: Touring Tullibardine Distillery in Scotland and a Guide to the Scotch Regions of Scotland
Disclaimer :: This post is in partnership with Stripe Communications. As always, all opinions are my own.
