Glenburgie 33 Years Old 1949

A Glenburgie of a 33 year old chosen by Gordon and MacPhail, distilled in 1949, at 40%. Glenburgie is a light, fruity Speyside malt of orchard fruit, grass and a soft waxy thread. It was founded in 1810 as Kilnflat by William Paul, taking the Glenburgie name in 1878. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents. It was expanded to six stills after the rebuild, one of the bigger distilleries in the group. Its water is drawn from a local spring near the distillery.

Distilled in tall onion shaped pot stills, for the light, fruity make the Ballantine's blenders prized. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the orchard fruit. In its ethereal years the malt turns waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a whisper of sotolon. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the Speyside spirit.

At 40% it is bright, waxy and soft. A soft, orchard led sweetness with a floral lift, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft apple and a waxy honey sit behind the cask. A fresh finish closes on apple and a soft oak. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.