Tullibardine 26 Years Old 1993 Cask #940 (BB&R)

This is a Tullibardine single malt, selected and bottled by Berry Bros & Rudd, a 26 year old release from 1993, drawn from cask 940 and bottled at 48.9%. Tullibardine was founded in 1949 in Blackford, on the edge of the Highlands; it was the first distillery built in Scotland after the war. It stands on a site with five hundred years of brewing; King James IV bought ale at Blackford in 1488.

It was drawn off copper pot stills fed by the Danny Burn, for a soft, vanilla scented spirit. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the malt. Beyond twenty years the malt grows deep and honeyed, dried fruit and oak spice over a soft toffee. Sherry wood suits the soft make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. The malt also feeds the Highland Queen blend, another brand in the Picard stable. Part of the old estate was turned into a retail outlet during the lean years.

Bottled at a cask strength 48.9%, it is rich. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with pear, honey and a malty note. The texture is soft and round, the fruit lifted by honey. Toffee, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is Tullibardine's fruity Highland style.