Glenburgie 15 Years Old 2002 (A & G Selection)

This Glenburgie was bottled by An and G Selection, a 15 year old, distilled in 2002, at 50%, one of 210 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt, a blending malt rarely seen on its own and largely the work of independents. It was founded in 1810 as Kilnflat by William Paul, taking the Glenburgie name in 1878. It has been a core malt of the Ballantine's blend since Hiram Walker bought it in 1936. The old distillery was demolished and rebuilt in 2004, only the little stone office left standing.

The spirit was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, shaping a fine, clean malt with a floral lift. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanillin and a soft coconut under the malt. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a gentle, drying grip across the fruit. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards beeswax, tropical fruit and a gentle spice. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the Speyside spirit.

At a hearty 50% it carries real weight. Pear, floral notes and a soft, waxy sweetness, over a gentle, creamy oak. Soft apple and a waxy honey sit behind the cask. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.