Highland Queen 1996 HQSW Majesty Highland Single Malt (Highland Queen Scotch Whisky)

This Tullibardine was from the independent bottler Highland Queen Scotch Whisky, a 21 year old release from 1996 and bottled at 40%. Tullibardine was opened in 1949 in the southern Highlands near Gleneagles; it is owned by the French wine house Picard. Mothballed in 1994, the distillery was revived in 2003 and bought by the French wine house Picard in 2011.

The spirit was run through the distillery's compact copper stills, to build a honeyed, malty character. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. Long ageing brings a deeper dried fruit character and a soft oak spice. Soft Ochil Hills water gives a clean, malty make. Part of the old estate was turned into a retail outlet during the lean years. 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.

At an easy 40% it is light. Oats, honey and a touch of ginger sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. It is gentle and honeyed, the soft spirit shining through. Vanilla and a soft ginger draw out the close. This is a wine finished Highland malt from Blackford.