Glenburgie 14 Years Old 2004 Cask #Batch 18/104

Chosen by Gordon and MacPhail, the Elgin grocer laying down casks on South Street since 1895, this a 14 year old Glenburgie, distilled in 2004, from cask Batch 18/104, at 46%, one of 1164 bottles. Glenburgie is a light, fruity Speyside malt of orchard fruit, grass and a soft waxy thread. It sits near Alves in Moray, east of Forres, in the heart of Speyside.

It was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, shaping a fine, clean malt with a floral lift. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. 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. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and waxier with time. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the Speyside spirit.

At an approachable 46% it is fresh and clean. Apple, pear and fresh cut grass, with a gentle oak sweetness. The body is light and clean, the fruit lifted by a soft oak. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is Glenburgie's bright, orchard led Speyside character.