Tullibardine 28 Years Old 1993 Cask #959 (BB&R)

A Tullibardine single malt, from the independent bottler Berry Bros & Rudd, a 28 year old from 1993, drawn from cask 959 and bottled at 48.8%. The outturn was 263 bottles. Set beneath the Ochil Hills at Blackford, Tullibardine has distilled since 1949. Water comes from the Ochil Hills springs, the same source as the Highland Spring bottled water.

Distilled on soft Highland spring water, building the gentle Tullibardine style. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the soft character to the fore. At this age it is rounded and mellow, the fruit folded into a honeyed body. Refill oak lets the honeyed Tullibardine character lead, vanilla over toffee. The distillery sits just off the A9 near Gleneagles, one of Scotland's more accessible. Under French wine ownership the distillery has leaned into its cask finishes. The Murray and Custodian's Collections gather its older and rarer bottlings.

At 48.8%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Oats, honey and a touch of ginger sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. It is gentle and honeyed, the soft spirit shining through. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is a wine finished Highland malt from Blackford.