Tullibardine 11 Years Old 2007 Cask #800119 (Signatory)

From Signatory Vintage comes this Tullibardine, an 11 year old from 2007, drawn from cask 800119 and bottled at 46%. Only 283 bottles were released. Tullibardine was established in 1949 in Blackford, on the edge of the Highlands, and it distils, matures and bottles on one site. 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 drawn off copper pot stills fed by the Danny Burn, for a soft, vanilla scented spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the honeyed fruit lead. At this age the spirit is fresh and honeyed, the malt and soft fruit bright. The light, malty make leans on the cask for much of its colour and flavour. Picard is a Burgundy wine family, and their casks come from vineyards across France. The name comes from the Gaelic for lookout hill, after a hill once used to watch for strangers.

At an easy 46% it is light. A gentle vanilla from the wood runs under apple, honey and a gentle spice. It is fruity and soft, the fruit and oak well matched. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is a honeyed Highland single malt from Perthshire.