Speyburn Single Cask 13 Years Old 2004

A distillery bottling of Speyburn matured to 13 year old from 2004, drawn from cask 214 and bottled at 52.5%. The outturn was 630 bottles. Speyburn was founded in 1897 opposite Glen Grant near Rothes; it was designed by the pagoda architect Charles Doig. Water comes from the Granty Burn, a clear tributary of the Spey.

It was drawn off the stills into worm tubs, the old way of condensing, for a light, floral spirit with a worm tub weight. A sherry cask wrapped the fruity spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper dried fruit note. The cool Speyside climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. Charles Doig, who designed it, invented the pagoda roof now seen across Scotch distilleries. It was the first Scottish distillery fitted with drum maltings, still preserved on site.

At 52.5%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and a gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood, with apple, pear and heather honey. The mouthfeel is rounded, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. Honey and orchard fruit see out a long finish. This is a clean, fruity malt from the heart of Speyside.