Tullibardine 11 Years Old 2013 Cask #10541747 (Duncan Taylor)

An independent Tullibardine, an independent Duncan Taylor bottling, an 11 year old from 2013, drawn from cask 10541747 and bottled at 53.9%. A release of 90 bottles. Set at Blackford in Perthshire, Tullibardine has distilled since 1949. 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 rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Younger here, it keeps a light, honeyed freshness over vanilla. Soft Ochil Hills water gives a clean, malty make. 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 53.9% it is bold yet honeyed. Vanilla, toffee and orchard fruit meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and vanilla sit behind the sweetness. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is the soft Highland malt of Blackford.