Tullibardine 13 Years Old (Original Collection)

From Cadenhead's comes this Tullibardine, aged 13 year old and bottled at 46%. Tullibardine was established in 1949 in Blackford, on the edge of the Highlands, and it distils, matures and bottles on one site. Picard brought a range of wine cask finishes, named for the size of the cask: the 225 Sauternes, 228 Burgundy and 500 Sherry.

It was drawn off copper pot stills fed by the Danny Burn, for a soft, vanilla scented spirit. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the soft character to the fore. By this age the soft spirit rounds into honeyed fruit and a gentle oak. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. Blackford's spring water has drawn brewers and distillers to the village for centuries. 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 46% it is gentle, honeyed and fruity. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with honey, vanilla and a soft toffee. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is a mellow, fruity Highland single malt.