Tullibardine 2016 3W (3006 Whisky (3W))

Bottled by 3006 Whisky (3W), this Tullibardine matured to 6 year old from 2016, drawn from cask 650387 A&C and bottled at 59.7%. The outturn was 126 bottles. Tullibardine, established in 1949 beneath the Ochil Hills at Blackford, is known for its wine cask finishes. Its malt also goes into the Highland Queen blend, another Picard brand.

Distilled on soft Highland spring water, building the gentle Tullibardine style. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the honeyed malt. Still young, the malt is honeyed and fruity with a soft spice. Wine cask finishing is central to the modern range, layering extra fruit. After lean years and a long silence, private investors brought the distillery back to life in 2003. Picard is a Burgundy wine family, and their casks come from vineyards across France. The name comes from the Gaelic for lookout hill, after a hill once used to watch for strangers.

At a full 59.7% it is bold yet honeyed. Raisin and a nutty sherry depth build, and a malty, honeyed sweetness sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. A baked apple and a gentle ginger lift it. A honeyed, lightly spiced finish lingers. This is Tullibardine, the lookout hill malt.