Tullibardine Port Wood Finish 15 Years Old 1993

This official Tullibardine single malt, a 15 year old release from 1993 and bottled at 46%. Tullibardine, established in 1949 beneath the Ochil Hills at Blackford, is known for its wine cask finishes. The name is Gaelic for lookout hill, after a nearby hill once used to watch for approaching strangers.

Distilled on soft Highland spring water, building the gentle Tullibardine style. A Sauternes or fortified cask gave a honeyed, fruity depth. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper, maltier fruit. Refill oak lets the honeyed Tullibardine character lead, vanilla over toffee. 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. Its water rises in the Ochil Hills, the same source that feeds the Highland Spring brand.

At an approachable 46% it is soft and balanced. The Port cask adds plum and red berry, and a soft, fruity vanilla meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run honey, toffee and a soft spice. A honeyed, lightly spiced finish lingers. This is a soft, honeyed Highland single malt.