Tullibardine 12 Years Old 2012 Cask #804984 (Alistair Walker Whisky Company)

An independent Tullibardine, bottled by Alistair Walker Whisky Company, aged 12 year old from 2012, drawn from cask 804984 and bottled at 55.8%. 227 bottles in all. Tullibardine was established in 1949 at Blackford in Perthshire, and it distils, matures and bottles on one site. Delme-Evans went on to design the Jura and GlenAllachie distilleries.

It was worked through the distillery's pot stills, for the soft, honeyed Highland make Tullibardine is known for. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. At this age the spirit is fresh and honeyed, the malt and soft fruit bright. The soft, fruity spirit takes a wine finish particularly well, in the Picard house style. Blackford's spring water has drawn brewers and distillers to the village for centuries. Tullibardine was founded in 1949 by the architect William Delme-Evans, the first new distillery in post war Scotland. King James IV is said to have bought ale at a Blackford brewery in 1488, on the site the distillery now occupies.

At a full 55.8% it is bold yet honeyed. A malty, honeyed sweetness sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A baked apple and a gentle ginger lift it. It closes soft, honeyed and warm. This is Tullibardine, the lookout hill malt.