Tullibardine 10 Years Old 2013 Cask #653456 (The Caskhound)

From The Caskhound comes this Tullibardine matured to 10 year old from 2013, drawn from cask 653456 and bottled at 54.7%. 83 bottles in all. Set at Blackford in Perthshire, Tullibardine has distilled since 1949. 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 worked through the distillery's pot stills, for the soft, honeyed Highland make Tullibardine is known for. A sherry cask wrapped the soft spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Younger here, it keeps a light, honeyed freshness over vanilla. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, malty core over time. Tullibardine was founded in 1949 by the architect William Delme-Evans, the first new distillery in post war Scotland. King James IV is said to have bought ale at a Blackford brewery in 1488, on the site the distillery now occupies.

At 54.7%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. The Palo Cortado adds a dry, nutty, savoury note, and a soft, fruity vanilla meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Beneath it run honey, toffee and a soft spice. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is a soft, honeyed Highland single malt.