Tullibardine 12 Years Old 1993 (Ex-Bourbon)

A distillery bottling of Tullibardine matured to 12 year old from 1993 and bottled at 40%. Opened in 1949 at the foot of the Ochil Hills, Tullibardine is a soft, honeyed Highland malt. 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. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At this age the spirit is fresh and honeyed, the malt and soft fruit bright. Bourbon wood frames the make with vanilla, the wine casks adding fruit. 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. 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.

Bottled at 40%, it is rounded. 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. The finish runs gentle, fruity and mellow. This is Tullibardine's fruity Highland style.