Glenburgie 15 Years Old 2008 Cask #17602307

Gordon and MacPhail, the Elgin grocer laying down casks on South Street since 1895, bottled this Glenburgie, distilled in 2008, from cask 17602307, at 57.9%, one of 329 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt made near Alves in Moray, east of Forres. It was expanded to six stills after the rebuild, one of the bigger distilleries in the group. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents.

The spirit was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, shaping a fine, clean malt with a floral lift. Maturation came in an Oloroso cask, layered over the fresh Glenburgie make. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the apple and pear turning to a waxy honey and soft tropical fruit. Built for the blender's art, the make ages with quiet grace as a single malt.

Bottled at a cask strength 57.9%, it is concentrated. Pear, floral notes and a soft, waxy sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. A fresh finish closes on apple and a soft oak. This is a light, waxy Speyside single malt.