Tullibardine 16yo 1993/2009 (54.5%, OB, for Kensington, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, C#15081, 332 Bts)

Matured 14 years in American oak and finished for 2 years in Pedro Ximenez sherry cask. On the nose there is some strong alcohol at first followed by some green malt and cereals which in many ways is very typical of Tullibardine. Behind this there is some very good sherry, mild clove, warm caramel, Christmas cake and then wood notes (think spice and cedar). After a few minutes the sherry moves to the front as the sample warms in the glass and the green malt, cereals and spice take a back seat. What a lovely nose that will be appreciated by Tullibardine devotees. The taste is strong and a good follow through from the nose with many of the same characteristics along with a hint of lovage and maybe some Hessian, the intermingling of the PX sherry and the malty notes are very good. There are also some later notes of leather and cured tobacco that give the palate a slightly firm characteristic. The mouth feel is very creamy despite the high alcohol. The finish is at first malty quickly followed by the sherry,  then the leather and tobacco all of which quickly mellows into a very decent finish that is quite dry towards the very end. The finish is quite long and lingers away softly with nary and off note.

$110 at http://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com/ and Tullibardine Distillery at http://www.tullibardine.com/

Score 88 Points