Glenburgie 44 Years Old 1975 (Hunter Laing)

A Glenburgie of a 44 year old chosen by Hunter Laing, distilled in 1975, at 41.8%, one of 159 bottles. Glenburgie is a light, fruity Speyside malt of orchard fruit, grass and a soft waxy thread. Its water is drawn from a local spring near the distillery. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents. It was rebuilt in 1881 by Charles Chree Doig, the architect behind so many Speyside stillhouses.

Distilled from unpeated malt, giving a fragrant, orchard led Speyside spirit. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. Ethereal and fragile, the decades draw it to a honeyed, waxy delicacy of tropical fruit and old oak. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the spirit. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the Speyside spirit.

At its natural 41.8% it is full and fruity. Pear, floral notes and a soft, waxy sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is soft and gently waxy, the light spirit shining through. Green apple, honey and a soft oak see it out. This is a fragrant Speyside single malt of real lightness.