Glenburgie 11 Years Old 2008 (Langside Distillers)

This Glenburgie was bottled by Langside Distillers, an 11 year old, distilled in 2008, at 46%, one of 173 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt, long the fruity heart of the Ballantine's blend. It was founded in 1810 as Kilnflat by William Paul, taking the Glenburgie name in 1878. The old distillery was demolished and rebuilt in 2004, only the little stone office left standing.

It was drawn from a long fermentation, giving a fragrant, orchard led Speyside spirit. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the fruity spirit growing rounder and a touch waxy. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and waxier with time. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards beeswax, tropical fruit and a gentle spice. A soft waxiness from the spirit carries a thread through the maturation.

Bottled at 46%, it is light and rounded. Green apple, citrus and a waxy note, with a gentle oak sweetness. The mouthfeel is light, a faint waxiness carrying the fruit. Green apple, honey and a soft oak see it out. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.