Tullibardine 9 Years Old 2013 Cask #10535408 (Duncan Taylor)

Duncan Taylor selected this Tullibardine, a 9 year old release from 2013, drawn from cask 10535408 and bottled at 55.2%. Only 85 bottles were released. Tullibardine was opened in 1949 in Perthshire, off the A9; it is owned by the French wine house Picard. 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. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the soft character to the fore. At this age the spirit is fresh and honeyed, the malt and soft fruit bright. A patient maturation suits the soft, honeyed Tullibardine character. 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 cask strength 55.2% it is full bodied. Vanilla and a light toffee from the barrel runs under a mellow, honeyed character. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. Toffee, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a gentle, honeyed Highland single malt.