Tullibardine 12 Years Old 2008 Hepburn’s Choice (Langside Distillers)

Bottled by Langside Distillers, this Tullibardine matured to 12 year old from 2008 and bottled at 46%. Only 359 bottles were released. 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. A Burgundy or red wine cask lent red fruit and a soft spice. At a youthful age the fruit is gentle and the malt soft. Soft Ochil Hills water gives a clean, malty make. Delme-Evans, a noted gravity flow designer, also drew up the Jura and GlenAllachie distilleries. The malt also feeds the Highland Queen blend, another brand in the Picard stable. 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.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. The wine cask lends red fruit, chocolate and a soft spice, and a soft, fruity vanilla meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run honey, toffee and a soft spice. A honeyed, lightly spiced finish lingers. This is a soft, honeyed Highland single malt.