Tullibardine 8 Years Old 2012 Cask #SC13 (The Firkin Whisky Co. Ltd.)

From The Firkin Whisky Co. Ltd comes this Tullibardine, aged 8 year old from 2012, drawn from cask SC13 and bottled at 48.9%. Just 306 bottles were filled. Tullibardine was founded in 1949 in Blackford, on the edge of the Highlands; it was the first distillery built in Scotland after the war. Picard brought a range of wine cask finishes, named for the size of the cask: the 225 Sauternes, 228 Burgundy and 500 Sherry.

It was drawn off copper pot stills fed by the Danny Burn, for a soft, vanilla scented spirit. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Younger here, it keeps a light, honeyed freshness over vanilla. A patient maturation suits the soft, honeyed Tullibardine character. 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.

At a hearty 48.9% it carries real weight. The Oloroso adds figgy fruit and a warm nuttiness, and a gentle vanilla from the wood, with pear, honey and a malty note. The texture is soft and round, the fruit lifted by honey. Toffee, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is Tullibardine's fruity Highland style.