Tullibardine Sherry Wood Finish 16 Years Old 1993

This Tullibardine, an official release, aged 16 year old from 1993 and bottled at 46%. Set at Blackford in Perthshire, Tullibardine has distilled since 1949. Delme-Evans went on to design the Jura and GlenAllachie distilleries.

It was worked through the distillery's pot stills, for the soft, honeyed Highland make Tullibardine is known for. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the soft make. By this age the soft spirit rounds into honeyed fruit and a gentle oak. Wine cask finishing is central to the modern range, layering extra 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. The distillery sits just off the A9 near Gleneagles, one of Scotland's more accessible.

Reduced to 46%, it is soft. The Pedro Ximenez lends raisin, date and treacle, and oats, honey and a touch of ginger sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is gentle and honeyed, the soft spirit shining through. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is a wine finished Highland malt from Blackford.