Glenburgie 12 Years Old 2010 Cask #13 (A.D. Rattray)

A.D. Rattray bottled this Glenburgie, a 12 year old, distilled in 2010, from cask 13, at 53.8%, one of 319 bottles. Glenburgie is a light, fruity Speyside malt of orchard fruit, grass and a soft waxy thread. The old distillery was demolished and rebuilt in 2004, only the little stone office left standing. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents.

Distilled in tall onion shaped pot stills, building a light malt of orchard fruit and fresh grass. An Oloroso cask held it, drawing the light spirit on over the years. 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. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards beeswax, tropical fruit and a gentle spice.

At its natural 53.8% it is full and fruity. A delicate, soft malt with a waxy edge, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A green apple and a gentle citrus lift the middle. The finish is light, fruity and clean. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.