Tullibardine 7 Years Old 2014 Great Ocean Liners (Jack Wiebers Whisky World)

Single malt Tullibardine, picked by Jack Wiebers Whisky World, a 7 year old from 2014 and bottled at 49.9%. 120 bottles in all. Set at the foot of the Ochil Hills, Tullibardine has distilled since 1949. 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 sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. At this age the spirit is fresh and honeyed, the malt and soft fruit bright. Under French wine ownership the distillery has leaned into cask finishes. Blackford's spring water has drawn brewers and distillers to the village for centuries. Tullibardine was founded in 1949 by the architect William Delme-Evans, the first new distillery in post war Scotland. King James IV is said to have bought ale at a Blackford brewery in 1488, on the site the distillery now occupies.

Undiluted at 49.9%, it is layered. The Pedro Ximenez lends raisin, date and treacle, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with honey, vanilla and a soft toffee. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. A warming, honeyed finish lingers. This is a mellow, fruity Highland single malt.