From the quiet corners of southern France comes one of the whisky world’s great under-sung curators. Jean Boyer, an independent bottler rooted in the Landes region, has spent decades working directly with Scottish distilleries to uncover hidden gems and bottle them with restraint, reverence and a touch of French flair. The “Gifted Stills” range captures single malts at their most honest — often young, always expressive, never rushed or overly refined. This 2016 Tullibardine was matured in a first-fill Oloroso barrique and bottled five years later in 2021, without chill-filtration or colour. It’s vibrant, youthful and textured — an early-matured whisky that shows just how much flavour a good cask can coax in short time.

Nose:
Mild honey, toasted malt and caramel.

Palate:
Dried apricots, delicate citrus fruits, soft vanilla and a creamy cereal note.

Finish:
Light and silky with a lift of orchard fruit and gentle oak.