Tullibardine Distillery - A Highland Revival Story

Tullibardine or “Tulli,” as it’s often called in the industry is a striking distillery site located just off the A9 between Perth and Stirling, in the town of Blackford. While the distillery itself was established in 1949 by renowned architect William Delme-Evans, the site’s history stretches back much further.

Its predecessor, a local brewery, famously recorded the first known purchase of beer in Scotland in 1488, when King James IV stopped for a cask of ale following his coronation. The king was so impressed that in 1503 he granted the brewery the first Royal Charter, one of the earliest marks of royal approval in Scottish brewing history.

Set at the foot of the Ochil Hills, Tullibardine benefits from an exceptional water source. The Danny Burn filters through layers of basalt and sandstone before reaching the distillery, contributing to the purity of the spirit. These same hills are also home to Highland Spring, one of Scotland’s most recognizable bottled waters, an indication of just how prized this water source is.

Throughout the 20th century, Tullibardine changed ownership multiple times, eventually landing with Whyte & Mackay, who closed the distillery in 1994. Prior to its shutdown, Tullibardine was known as a floral and nutty malt, primarily used in blends.

The turning point came in 2003, when new ownership revived the distillery with a clear focus on building a premium single malt brand. Faced with aging stock that had spent too long in tired casks, they undertook an ambitious re-casking program, revitalizing the spirit through carefully selected wood.

That transformation defines Tullibardine today. Now owned by French conglomerate, Picard Vins & Spiritueux, the distillery produces a range of single malts across different cask types and age statements. The modern profile leans toward bright fruit, softness, and elegance, with the heavier nuttiness of the past largely replaced.

For those exploring independent bottlings, Tullibardine offers a fascinating contrast between old and new, and you can find select expressions in our current collection, often highlighting unique cask finishes that showcase the distillery’s evolution.

Available Now

We currently offer a selection of independently bottled Tullibardine, including highlighting the distillery’s modern style and ongoing transformation.

👉 Shop Tullibardine bottles here