Tullibardine 8 Years Old 2015 100 Proof Edition #2 (Signatory)

Signatory Vintage selected this Tullibardine, an 8 year old Highland malt from 2015 and bottled at 57.1%. A release of 2949 bottles. Tullibardine, first built in 1949 in Perthshire, off the A9, is known for its wine cask finishes. It is one of few distilleries to distil, mature and bottle all on the one site.

The spirit was made in copper stills for a soft, fruity make, for a fruity, mellow make. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the honeyed malt. At a youthful age the fruit is gentle and the malt soft. Under French wine ownership the distillery has leaned into cask finishes. Part of the old estate was turned into a retail outlet during the lean years. 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.

At a hearty 57.1% it carries real weight. The Oloroso gives dried fruit and a toasted nuttiness, and vanilla and a light toffee from the barrel, with pear, honey and a malty note. The texture is soft and round, the fruit lifted by honey. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gentle. This is Tullibardine's fruity Highland style.