Tullibardine 13 Years Old 2012 Love & Peace (Liquid Treasures)

This is a Tullibardine single malt, from the independent bottler Liquid Treasures, a 13 year old from 2012 and bottled at 53.5%. 117 bottles in all. Set at Blackford in Perthshire, Tullibardine has distilled since 1949. It stands on a site with five hundred years of brewing; King James IV bought ale at Blackford in 1488.

It was worked through the distillery's pot stills, for the soft, honeyed Highland make Tullibardine is known for. A sherry cask wrapped the soft spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper, maltier fruit. The soft, fruity spirit takes a wine finish particularly well, in the Picard house style. Tullibardine was founded in 1949 by the architect William Delme-Evans, the first new distillery in post war Scotland. King James IV is said to have bought ale at a Blackford brewery in 1488, on the site the distillery now occupies.

At a natural 53.5% it is full and honeyed. The Palo Cortado adds a dry, nutty, savoury note, and oats, honey and a touch of ginger sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is gentle and honeyed, the soft spirit shining through. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is a wine finished Highland malt from Blackford.