Tullibardine Single Cask 35 Years Old 1976

This Tullibardine, an official release matured to 35 year old from 1976, drawn from cask 3161 and bottled at 50.2%. 226 bottles in all. Opened in 1949 beneath the Ochil Hills at Blackford, Tullibardine is a soft, honeyed Highland malt. Its malt also goes into the Highland Queen blend, another Picard brand.

Distilled on soft Highland spring water, building the gentle Tullibardine style. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the malt. At this great age the malt is full and mellow, the honey deep and the oak soft. Soft Ochil Hills water gives a clean, malty make. Part of the old estate was turned into a retail outlet during the lean years. The distillery sits just off the A9 near Gleneagles, one of Scotland's more accessible. Under French wine ownership the distillery has leaned into its cask finishes. The Murray and Custodian's Collections gather its older and rarer bottlings.

At its natural 50.2% it is concentrated. Oats, honey and a touch of ginger sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. It is gentle and honeyed, the soft spirit shining through. It finishes soft, honeyed and clean. This is a wine finished Highland malt from Blackford.