Tullibardine 16 Years Old 2008 Cask #C25127 (Claxton’s)

This is a Tullibardine single malt, an independent Claxton's bottling, aged 16 year old from 2008, drawn from cask C25127 and bottled at 54.2%. Just 310 bottles were filled. 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. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the soft make. By this age the soft spirit rounds into honeyed fruit and a gentle oak. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, malty core over time. After lean years and a long silence, private investors brought the distillery back to life in 2003. Picard is a Burgundy wine family, and their casks come from vineyards across France.

At 54.2%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and vanilla, toffee and orchard fruit meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and vanilla sit behind the sweetness. It closes soft, honeyed and warm. This is the soft Highland malt of Blackford.