Tullibardine 25 Years Old 1989 Cask #2671 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

This is a Tullibardine single malt, released by The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd, a 25 year old Highland malt from 1989, drawn from cask 2671 and bottled at 53%. Just 260 bottles were filled. Set in Blackford, on the edge of the Highlands, Tullibardine has distilled since 1949. It stands on a site with five hundred years of brewing; King James IV bought ale at Blackford in 1488.

It was drawn off copper pot stills fed by the Danny Burn, for a soft, vanilla scented spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the honeyed fruit lead. Long ageing brings a deeper dried fruit character and a soft oak spice. Sherry wood suits the soft make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. The distillery sits just off the A9 near Gleneagles, one of Scotland's more accessible. Under French wine ownership the distillery has leaned into its cask finishes. The Murray and Custodian's Collections gather its older and rarer bottlings.

Bottled at a cask strength 53%, it is rich. A gentle vanilla from the wood runs under apple, honey and a gentle spice. It is fruity and soft, the fruit and oak well matched. A warming, honeyed finish lingers. This is a honeyed Highland single malt from Perthshire.