Whiskycafé L&B in Amsterdam has been part of Dutch whisky culture for as long as I can remember. Recently this establishment has been going through some difficult times. A renovation that was supposed to last 4 months, has now been going on for almost triple that time period. To show support, one patron has now launched this Tullibardine 2015 7 Years. Profits will be donated to the bar.
Finished in a Pedro Ximénez cask, the label mentions this Tullibardine is a ’50th Anniversary Bottling’. Whiskycafé L&B celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021, one of the prime COVID-19 years, meaning this milestone wasn’t actually celebrated too exuberantly. Now it seems this bottling serves as a kind of belated commemoration.
Here’s a confession: I’ve never been to Whiskycafé L&B. I know, shame on me. Amsterdam is not a city I frequent often. I spend the odd night there with my partner, generally when either one of us has to be there for business. Whisky bars aren’t at the top of our list when in Amsterdam. I have whisky coming out the wazoo at home. When I’m out I’d rather drink something else. In Amsterdam it’s the cocktail bars I visit. We just don’t have any decent ones where I live.
Having said that, there are so many people I know that speak highly of Whiskycafé L&B. I’m certain they’re all looking forward to this institution reopening again, hopefully soon. The latest word is that they’ll be back sometime in 2025. Fingers crossed!
Tullibardine 2015 7 Years ‘Whiskycafé L&B 50th Anniversary’ (57.1%, Elshoff Whisky Promotions, C#36)
Nose: A symphony of sultanas and melted butter first, followed by hints of lychee, a touch of aceto balsamico and a good amount of vanilla custard. Gentle notes of stone fruits (mainly peaches) linger in the background. There might be a sliver of pineapple as well. There’s definitely a maltier element to this release too, as well as some toasted notes.
Taste: Not without some oak and the accompanying spices you’d expect, but then there’s also a buttery, sweeter, cereal-y side that really works. A sliver of powdered sugar too, some warm vanilla sauce, marshmallow and a pleasant breadiness.
Finish: Medium to long. Quite spicy at times. Nutmeg, cloves and the likes. A gentle note of fennel, and finally maybe a touch of coffee too.
