Tullibardine Vintage Edition 33 Years Old 1973

A distillery bottling of Tullibardine, a 33 year old Highland malt from 1973, drawn from cask 2516 and bottled at 46.2%. A release of 249 bottles. Tullibardine was established in 1949 in Blackford, on the edge of the Highlands, and it distils, matures and bottles on one site. Delme-Evans went on to design the Jura and GlenAllachie distilleries.

It was drawn off copper pot stills fed by the Danny Burn, for a soft, vanilla scented spirit. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. Very old Tullibardine turns soft and profound, the fruit deep and the oak polished. A patient maturation suits the soft, honeyed Tullibardine character. It is one of few distilleries to distil, mature and bottle entirely on the one site. 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.

At a hearty 46.2% it carries real weight. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with pear, honey and a malty note. The texture is soft and round, the fruit lifted by honey. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is Tullibardine's fruity Highland style.