Tullibardine 15 Years Old (40%)

This Tullibardine, an official release, a 15 year old Highland malt and bottled at 40%. Tullibardine was established in 1949 at Blackford in Perthshire, and it distils, matures and bottles on one site. 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 butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper, maltier fruit. The honeyed spirit makes a fine base for a fortified or wine cask. 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 an approachable 40% it is soft and balanced. Sherried dried fruit and a nutty edge come through, 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. It closes soft, honeyed and warm. This is a wine finished Highland malt from Blackford.