Glenburgie 15 Years Old 1968

Chosen by Gordon and MacPhail, the Elgin grocer laying down casks on South Street since 1895, this a 15 year old Glenburgie, distilled in 1968, at 40%. Glenburgie is a light, fruity Speyside malt of orchard fruit, grass and a soft waxy thread. It was expanded to six stills after the rebuild, one of the bigger distilleries in the group. It sits near Alves in Moray, east of Forres, in the heart of Speyside.

It was drawn from a long fermentation, for the light, fruity make the Ballantine's blenders prized. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanillin and a soft coconut under the malt. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the apple and pear turning to a waxy honey and soft tropical fruit. 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.

At an approachable 40% it is fresh and clean. Pear, floral notes and a soft, waxy sweetness, with a gentle oak sweetness. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. A long, fruity finish carries a waxy honey. This is a fragrant Speyside single malt of real lightness.