Glenburgie 12 Years Old 2012 Cask #5 (A.D. Rattray)

This Glenburgie was bottled by A.D. Rattray, a 12 year old, distilled in 2012, from cask 5, at 53%, one of 308 bottles. Glenburgie is a clean, fruity Speyside malt, light and fresh in the glass. It was founded in 1810 as Kilnflat by William Paul, taking the Glenburgie name in 1878. It has been a core malt of the Ballantine's blend since Hiram Walker bought it in 1936.

Run slowly off the spirit still, shaping a fine, clean malt with a floral lift. 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. Built for the blender's art, the make ages with quiet grace as a single malt. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool Speyside warehouses. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and waxier with time.

Bottled at a cask strength 53%, it is concentrated. A delicate, soft malt with a waxy edge, with a gentle oak sweetness. The body is light and clean, the fruit lifted by a soft oak. A fresh finish closes on apple and a soft oak. This is Glenburgie's bright, orchard led Speyside character.