Tullibardine 12 Years Old 2012 Cask #651247 (The Caskhound)

This Tullibardine was released by The Caskhound, a 12 year old Highland malt from 2012, drawn from cask 651247 and bottled at 52%. Tullibardine was opened in 1949 in Perthshire, off the A9; it is owned by the French wine house Picard. Mothballed in 1994, the distillery was revived in 2003 and bought by the French wine house Picard in 2011.

The spirit was made in copper stills for a soft, fruity make, for a fruity, mellow make. A finish in wine wood, the Picard signature, added fruit to the malt. At this age the spirit is fresh and honeyed, the malt and soft fruit bright. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. The Murray and Custodian's Collections gather its older and rarer bottlings. Blackford's spring water has drawn brewers and distillers to the village for centuries.

Bottled at a cask strength 52%, it is rich. The Sauternes lends honey, apricot and a candied sweetness, and vanilla and a light toffee from the barrel runs under apple, honey and a gentle spice. It is fruity and soft, the fruit and oak well matched. Toffee, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a honeyed Highland single malt from Perthshire.