Tullibardine 19 Years Old 2006 (The Whisky Agency)

Single malt Tullibardine, drawn and bottled by The Whisky Agency, aged 19 year old from 2006 and bottled at 49.6%. Tullibardine was built in 1949 at the foot of the Ochil Hills; its honeyed malt has a quiet following. The name is Gaelic for lookout hill, after a nearby hill once used to watch for approaching strangers.

Distilled in copper stills on Ochil Hills spring water, giving the light, fruity spirit at its heart. A Sauternes or fortified cask gave a honeyed, fruity depth. By this age the soft spirit rounds into honeyed fruit and a gentle oak. The light, malty make leans on the cask for much of its colour and flavour. The name comes from the Gaelic for lookout hill, after a hill once used to watch for strangers. 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.

Undiluted at 49.6%, it is layered. The Port cask adds plum and red berry, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under a mellow, honeyed character. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. Toffee, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a gentle, honeyed Highland single malt.