Tullibardine 12 Years Old 2007 Cask #800055 (Best Dram)

Single malt Tullibardine, picked by Best Dram matured to 12 year old from 2007, drawn from cask 800055 and bottled at 55.9%. A release of 259 bottles. Tullibardine, established in 1949 at the foot of the Ochil Hills, 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 Burgundy or red wine cask lent red fruit and a soft spice. Still young, the malt is honeyed and fruity with a soft spice. 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 its natural 55.9% it is concentrated. The wine cask lends red fruit, chocolate and a soft spice, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with honey, vanilla and a soft toffee. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gentle. This is a mellow, fruity Highland single malt.