Glenburgie 13 Years Old 2011 Cask #805622 (Alistair Walker Whisky Company)

This Glenburgie was bottled by Alistair Walker Whisky Company, a 13 year old, distilled in 2011, from cask 805622, at 58.9%, one of 302 bottles. Glenburgie is a fragrant Speyside malt, a core flavour of Ballantine's for decades. It was founded in 1810 as Kilnflat by William Paul, taking the Glenburgie name in 1878. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents.

The spirit was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, shaping a fine, clean malt with a floral lift. A Red Wine cask held it, drawing the light spirit on over the years. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the apple softening towards a waxy honey. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and waxier with time. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool Speyside warehouses.

At a natural 58.9% it is full and waxy. Pear, floral notes and a soft, waxy sweetness, with red berry and a dry spice from the cask. Pear, grass and a creamy oak fill the middle. The close is light and clean, fruit over a gentle oak. This is Glenburgie's bright, orchard led Speyside character.