Speyburn 7 Years Old Batch 1 (TBWC)

Bottled by That Boutique-y Whisky Company, this Speyburn, a 7 year old Speyside malt and bottled at 49.5%. 233 bottles in all. Speyburn was founded in 1897 in a wooded glen on the edge of Rothes; it was designed by the pagoda architect Charles Doig. Keen to date the first fillings to Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, the men ran the first spirit in a 1897 snowstorm.

It was worked through worm tubs that lend a fuller, rounder body, for the fresh, fruity Speyside make Speyburn is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. Younger here, it keeps a clean, floral freshness over light honey. The unpeated spirit lets the wood and the fruit speak without smoke. Hopkins also owned Tobermory on Mull when he built Speyburn in 1897. The cool Speyside glen gives a slow, even maturation in dunnage warehouses. Bradan Orach, the distillery's youngest core malt, is Gaelic for golden salmon.

Undiluted at 49.5%, it is layered. Green apple and a gentle spice sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and vanilla sit behind the sweetness. It closes long, fruity and honeyed. This is Speyburn's bright, fragrant Speyside style.