Tullibardine 10 Years Old 2014 (The Whisky Cask)

The Whisky Cask selected this Tullibardine, a 10 year old Highland malt from 2014 and bottled at 54.2%. Set in the southern Highlands near Gleneagles, Tullibardine has distilled since 1949. It is one of few distilleries to distil, mature and bottle all on the one site.

The spirit was run through the distillery's compact copper stills, to build a honeyed, malty character. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the soft make. Younger here, it keeps a light, honeyed freshness over vanilla. Long, gentle ageing turns the fresh fruit towards honey and a soft spice. The malt also feeds the Highland Queen blend, another brand in the Picard stable. 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 cask strength 54.2% it is full bodied. Raisin and a nutty sherry depth build, and vanilla, toffee and orchard fruit meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and vanilla sit behind the sweetness. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is the soft Highland malt of Blackford.