Tullibardine Custodian Collection 44 Years Old 1970

An official Tullibardine single malt, a 44 year old from 1970 and bottled at 40.3%. Only 400 bottles were released. Tullibardine was built in 1949 at the foot of the Ochil Hills; its honeyed malt has a quiet following. 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. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the soft make. At thirty years and more it is rich and mellow, candied fruit, honey and old oak in a deep old malt. Under French wine ownership the distillery has leaned into cask finishes. 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.

Reduced to 40.3%, it is soft. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under apple, honey and a gentle spice. It is fruity and soft, the fruit and oak well matched. Toffee, honey and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a honeyed Highland single malt from Perthshire.