Description

Tullibardine 2012 Aged 10 Years Cask 804981 Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Infrequent Flyers #113 (700ml)

Volume: 700ml             ABV: 58.7%             Age: 10 Years Old             Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): 804981
Date of Distilling: 2012
Matured In: a single Refill Hogshead then a Valpolicella Finish
Un-Chillfiltered

Alistair Walker is a highly experienced professional in the Scotch whisky industry, with a career spanning over two decades, including significant roles at Burn Stewart Distillers and The BenRiach Distillery Company (which also owned GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh). He founded his independent bottling company in 2018. Launched in July 2019, this is the flagship brand of his company. The name “Infrequent Flyers” reflects Alistair’s mission to bottle whiskies from distilleries that are less commonly seen as single malts or whose expressions are not widely available. It also hints at the unique, sometimes unexpected, character of the individual casks he selects. Alistair Walker is dedicated to bottling whiskies in their most authentic form, typically as single cask bottlings, un-chill filtered, natural colour and cask strength. Alistair is known for his expertise in cask selection and management, often utilising diverse and interesting cask types (like the refill sherry butt here) to influence the whisky’s profile and bring out different facets of the spirit.

Situated in Blackford, Perthshire, in the Highland region of Scotland, at the gateway to the Highlands. It’s uniquely positioned at the foot of the Ochil Hills, drawing its water from the pure springs of the Highlands. The site of the distillery has a long history with alcohol production, dating back to a brewery in the 15th century. The modern Tullibardine distillery was established in 1949 by a group of enthusiasts. Like many distilleries, it faced periods of closure (notably between 1995 and 2003) but has since been revitalized. It was acquired by French firm Terroir Distillers (part of the Picard Vins & Spiritueux group) in 2011. Tullibardine uses traditional copper pot stills and is known for producing a spirit that is generally light, crisp, and fruity. They are also unique in having their own bottling plant and a variety of interesting cask types on site. The distillery’s house style is characterized by its gentle, sweet, and approachable nature, with prominent notes of vanilla, malt, and orchard fruits. It’s often considered a versatile single malt that takes well to various cask finishes.

This is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky, distilled at Tullibardine in 2012 and matured for 10 years. It was bottled from cask #804981, which was a Recioto della Valpolicella Hogshead. Recioto della Valpolicella is a rich, sweet red wine from the Veneto region of Italy, made from partially dried grapes, similar to Amarone but sweet. This specific cask finish will impart distinct fruity and sweet characteristics. It was bottled at a robust cask strength of 58.7% alc/vol and was a limited release of 260 bottles

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A heavy, intense, and fruit-laden. Expect notes of cranberry sauce, rich red plums, and raspberry bakewells. Hints of Battenberg cake (marzipan and sponge), pointing to a sweet and almost confectionary character.

Palate: Deep and layered, truly a “dessert-lover’s dream.” Flavours of cherry compote and rich figs come through prominently. There are also notes of toasted almonds and macadamia nuts, leading into a creamy, indulgent finish reminiscent of rum and raisin ice cream. The cask influence is very apparent and well-integrated.

Finish: Rich, smooth, and pleasant, with the sweet, fruity, and nutty notes lingering. The higher ABV provides a warmth that complements the dessert profile.

In summary, the Infrequent Flyers Tullibardine 2012 Aged 10 Years Cask 804981 with a Valpolicella finish is a delightful and unique expression that combines Tullibardine’s approachable spirit with the rich, fruity complexity imparted by a sweet Italian red wine cask. It’s a fantastic example of a well-chosen independent bottling showcasing a distinctive cask influence.