Glenburgie 12 Years Old 2007

Hunter Laing, the Glasgow bottler of the Laing family, bottled this Glenburgie, distilled in 2007, at 46%, one of 230 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt, long the fruity heart of the Ballantine's blend. Its make has long fed big blends like Old Smuggler down the decades. It was rebuilt in 1881 by Charles Chree Doig, the architect behind so many Speyside stillhouses. It was expanded to six stills after the rebuild, one of the bigger distilleries in the group.

Worked unhurried through the stillhouse, building a light malt of orchard fruit and fresh grass. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin rounding out as esters lend a riper apple, pear and a soft honey. Built for the blender's art, the make ages with quiet grace as a single malt. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At 46% it is smooth and fruity. Pear, floral notes and a soft, waxy sweetness, with a gentle oak sweetness. Beneath it run baked apple, a light citrus and a soft honey. A long, fruity finish carries a waxy honey. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.