Tullibardine 2018 WW8 (The Whisky Warehouse No.8 (WW8))

The Whisky Warehouse No.8 (WW8) bottled this Tullibardine single malt, a 7 year old from 2018, drawn from cask W8 8000460A and bottled at 56.8%. Just 164 bottles were filled. Tullibardine, first built in 1949 in Perthshire, off the A9, is known for its wine cask finishes. It was founded by the distillery architect William Delme-Evans, the first new distillery in Scotland after the war.

The spirit was made in copper stills for a soft, fruity make, for a fruity, mellow make. A sherry cask wrapped the soft spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. At this age the spirit is fresh and honeyed, the malt and soft fruit bright. A patient maturation suits the soft, honeyed Tullibardine character. Picard is a Burgundy wine family, and their casks come from vineyards across France. The name comes from the Gaelic for lookout hill, after a hill once used to watch for strangers.

Bottled at a cask strength 56.8%, it is rich. The Amontillado adds a dry, nutty, almond edge, and vanilla and a light toffee from the barrel runs under apple, honey and a gentle spice. It is fruity and soft, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gentle. This is a honeyed Highland single malt from Perthshire.