Tullibardine 9 Year Red Wine Cask

I didn't initially plan to create a profile for this bottle. It's the Christmas release from my local spirits shop, available to members. Given its limited run of 66 bottles, it doesn't seem practical to create entries for such extremely small editions – but it's just so good. I'm sure numerous independent bottlings of Tullibardine could offer a comparable experience. This specific bottling is from 'Malts of Scotland' (a German independent bottler) and was aged for 9 years in red wine casks. This is immediately apparent on the nose, with buttery red grapes and berries. However, the highland whisky character remains dominant, offering aromas of fresh yellow fruit and heather honey. It strongly enhances the wine influence in every part of the aroma. The balance between sweet and sour is very well done. It's neither silky nor thick (like a Glendronach, for instance), but its strength lies in the highland red wine blend, which is skillfully executed here. Later, notes of dry wild summer hay, including lavender and other florals, emerge. The palate is where things get interesting. It resembles a nicely spiced red wine sauce with honey stirred and cooked in. The kind of thing you might use to marinate BBQ items overnight. (I wonder if this whisky could actually be used for that?) There are also some very pleasant roasted chilies present. These flavors continue well into the finish, with added herbal and oak notes. Adding water brings out more sweetness on the palate, but also increases the chili heat. Truly impressive. I've tasted Tullibardine before, but never at cask strength, which is clearly necessary for me to fully appreciate it. The only drawback is its youthful, spirited character. A few more years of age would make this whisky amazing.