Tullibardine 11 Years Old 2014 Cask #650823 (The Caskhound)

Single malt Tullibardine, selected and bottled by The Caskhound, an 11 year old release from 2014, drawn from cask 650823 and bottled at 52.8%. Tullibardine was first built in 1949 at the foot of the Ochil Hills, and it is known for its wine cask finishes. The name is Gaelic for lookout hill, after a nearby hill once used to watch for approaching strangers.

Distilled in copper stills on Ochil Hills spring water, giving the light, fruity spirit at its heart. A wine cask finish shaped it, the fruit meeting the honeyed spirit. At a youthful age the fruit is gentle and the malt soft. Sherry wood suits the soft make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. Its water rises in the Ochil Hills, the same source that feeds the Highland Spring brand. After lean years and a long silence, private investors brought the distillery back to life in 2003.

At a hearty 52.8% it carries real weight. The Port cask adds plum and red berry, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with pear, honey and a malty note. The texture is soft and round, the fruit lifted by honey. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is Tullibardine's fruity Highland style.