Tullibardine 29 Years Old 1989 Cask #4003 (Or Sileis)

A Tullibardine single malt, an independent Or Sileis bottling, a 29 year old release from 1989, drawn from cask 4003 and bottled at 55.2%. A release of 120 bottles. Set beneath the Ochil Hills at Blackford, Tullibardine has distilled since 1949. Water comes from the Ochil Hills springs, the same source as the Highland Spring bottled water.

Distilled on soft Highland spring water, building the gentle Tullibardine style. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Long ageing brings a deeper dried fruit character and a soft oak spice. The honeyed spirit makes a fine base for a fortified or wine cask. 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. Its water rises in the Ochil Hills, the same source that feeds the Highland Spring brand.

At a full 55.2% it is bold yet honeyed. Vanilla, toffee and orchard fruit meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. 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.