Tullibardine 13 Years Old 2010 (The Caskhound)

This is a Tullibardine single malt, picked by The Caskhound, a 13 year old from 2010 and bottled at 51.2%. Only 34 bottles were released. Built in 1949 in Blackford, on the edge of the Highlands, Tullibardine is a soft, honeyed Highland malt. It stands on a site with five hundred years of brewing; King James IV bought ale at Blackford in 1488.

It was drawn off copper pot stills fed by the Danny Burn, for a soft, vanilla scented spirit. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper, maltier fruit. Bourbon wood frames the make with vanilla, the wine casks adding fruit. It is one of few distilleries to distil, mature and bottle entirely on the one site. Delme-Evans, a noted gravity flow designer, also drew up the Jura and GlenAllachie distilleries. The malt also feeds the Highland Queen blend, another brand in the Picard stable.

At a full 51.2% it is bold yet honeyed. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and a gentle vanilla from the wood, with honey, vanilla and a soft toffee. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish runs gentle, fruity and mellow. This is a mellow, fruity Highland single malt.