Tullibardine 10 Years Old 2013 Cask Series 024 (North Star)

This is a Tullibardine single malt, drawn and bottled by North Star Spirits matured to 10 year old from 2013 and bottled at 55%. Only 378 bottles were released. Tullibardine was founded in 1949 in Blackford, on the edge of the Highlands; it was the first distillery built in Scotland after the war. 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. A sherry cask wrapped the soft spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. At a youthful age the fruit is gentle and the malt soft. Under French wine ownership the distillery has leaned into cask finishes. The Murray and Custodian's Collections gather its older and rarer bottlings. Blackford's spring water has drawn brewers and distillers to the village for centuries.

At cask strength 55% it is full bodied. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and a gentle vanilla from the wood runs under a mellow, honeyed character. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. Toffee, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a gentle, honeyed Highland single malt.