Tullibardine 9 Years Old 2016 Planets (Maltbarn)

From Maltbarn comes this Tullibardine matured to 9 year old from 2016 and bottled at 55.6%. Only 154 bottles were released. Tullibardine, founded in 1949 by William Delme-Evans in Blackford, on the edge of the Highlands, is known for its wine cask finishes. Picard brought a range of wine cask finishes, named for the size of the cask: the 225 Sauternes, 228 Burgundy and 500 Sherry.

It was drawn off copper pot stills fed by the Danny Burn, for a soft, vanilla scented spirit. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the malt. Still young, the malt is honeyed and fruity with a soft spice. Sherry wood suits the soft make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. 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. The distillery sits just off the A9 near Gleneagles, one of Scotland's more accessible.

At a hearty 55.6% it carries real weight. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with honey, vanilla and a soft toffee. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish is rounded, honeyed and gentle. This is a mellow, fruity Highland single malt.