Tullibardine 9 Years Old 2012 Cask #651133 (Douglas Thomson)

This Tullibardine was released by Douglas Thomson, a 9 year old Highland malt from 2012, drawn from cask 651133 and bottled at 54%. Just 148 bottles were filled. Founded in 1949 in Perthshire, off the A9, Tullibardine is a soft, honeyed Highland malt. Mothballed in 1994, the distillery was revived in 2003 and bought by the French wine house Picard in 2011.

The spirit was made in copper stills for a soft, fruity make, for a fruity, mellow make. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At this age the spirit is fresh and honeyed, the malt and soft fruit bright. Bourbon wood frames the make with vanilla, the wine casks adding fruit. Delme-Evans, a noted gravity flow designer, also drew up the Jura and GlenAllachie distilleries. 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.

At 54%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. 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 runs gentle, fruity and mellow. This is a honeyed Highland single malt from Perthshire.