Tullibardine The Murray – The Marquess Collection 11 Years Old 2012

A distillery bottling of Tullibardine, an 11 year old from 2012 and bottled at 46%. 1000 bottles in all. Tullibardine was built in 1949 at the foot of the Ochil Hills; its honeyed malt has a quiet following. Its malt also goes into the Highland Queen blend, another Picard brand.

Distilled in copper stills on Ochil Hills spring water, giving the light, fruity spirit at its heart. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the honeyed fruit lead. At a youthful age the fruit is gentle and the malt soft. A patient maturation suits the soft, honeyed Tullibardine character. King James IV is said to have bought ale at a Blackford brewery in 1488, on the site the distillery now occupies. Its water rises in the Ochil Hills, the same source that feeds the Highland Spring brand. After lean years and a long silence, private investors brought the distillery back to life in 2003.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with honey, vanilla and a soft toffee. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. Toffee, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a mellow, fruity Highland single malt.