Tullibardine 8 Years Old 2015 Cask #6544222 (The Caskhound)

This is a Tullibardine single malt, bottled by The Caskhound, an 8 year old release from 2015, drawn from cask 6544222 and bottled at 51.9%. Tullibardine was established in 1949 at Blackford in Perthshire, and it distils, matures and bottles on one site. It stands on a site with five hundred years of brewing; King James IV bought ale at Blackford in 1488.

It was worked through the distillery's pot stills, for the soft, honeyed Highland make Tullibardine is known for. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the soft make. Still young, the malt is honeyed and fruity with a soft spice. Long, gentle ageing turns the fresh fruit towards honey and a soft spice. 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 natural 51.9% it is full and honeyed. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and 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.