Glenburgie 12 Years Old 2010 (Sansibar)

A Glenburgie of a 12 year old chosen by Sansibar, distilled in 2010, at 53.9%, one of 254 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt from near Alves, founded in 1810 as Kilnflat. The old distillery was demolished and rebuilt in 2004, only the little stone office left standing. It sits near Alves in Moray, east of Forres, in the heart of Speyside. Its make has long fed big blends like Old Smuggler down the decades.

Distilled in tall onion shaped pot stills, for a soft, fruity spirit with a waxy thread. Maturation came in an Oloroso cask, layered over the fresh Glenburgie make. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin rounding out as esters lend a riper apple, pear and a soft honey. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the Speyside spirit.

At a hearty 53.9% it carries real weight. Pear, floral notes and a soft, waxy sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Soft apple and a waxy honey sit behind the cask. The finish runs delicate, fruity and waxy. This is a fragrant Speyside single malt of real lightness.