Tullibardine 10 Years Old 1992 (SMWS 28.4)

Bottled by Scotch Malt Whisky Society, this Tullibardine, a 10 year old from 1992, drawn from cask 28.4 and bottled at 56.2%. Tullibardine, established in 1949 at the foot of the Ochil Hills, is known for its wine cask finishes. Its malt also goes into the Highland Queen blend, another Picard brand.

Distilled in copper stills on Ochil Hills spring water, giving the light, fruity spirit at its heart. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Younger here, it keeps a light, honeyed freshness over vanilla. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. Picard is a Burgundy wine family, and their casks come from vineyards across France. The name comes from the Gaelic for lookout hill, after a hill once used to watch for strangers. It is one of few distilleries to distil, mature and bottle entirely on the one site. Delme-Evans, a noted gravity flow designer, also drew up the Jura and GlenAllachie distilleries.

At a full 56.2% it is bold yet honeyed. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with honey, vanilla and a soft toffee. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gentle. This is a mellow, fruity Highland single malt.