Tullibardine 10 Years Old 2015 Cask #650938 (The Caskhound)

Bottled by The Caskhound, this Tullibardine, a 10 year old Highland malt from 2015, drawn from cask 650938 and bottled at 56.5%. Only 295 bottles were released. Tullibardine was built in 1949 beneath the Ochil Hills at Blackford; its honeyed malt has a quiet following. Its malt also goes into the Highland Queen blend, another Picard brand.

Distilled on soft Highland spring water, building the gentle Tullibardine style. A wine cask finish layered fruit over the malt. Younger here, it keeps a light, honeyed freshness over vanilla. Wine cask finishing is central to the modern range, layering extra fruit. 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 56.5% it is full bodied. The Moscatel brings grape, honey and a floral lift, and vanilla, toffee and orchard fruit meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Soft orchard fruit and vanilla sit behind the sweetness. Vanilla and a soft ginger draw out the close. This is the soft Highland malt of Blackford.