Glenburgie 15 Years Old 2004

This Glenburgie was bottled by Gordon and MacPhail, a 15 year old, distilled in 2004, at 43%. 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. The old distillery was demolished and rebuilt in 2004, only the little stone office left standing. Its water is drawn from a local spring near the distillery. It has been a core malt of the Ballantine's blend since Hiram Walker bought it in 1936.

Distilled in tall onion shaped pot stills, for a light body with a gentle, waxy edge. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak gentle behind the spirit. Into oxidative maturity, slow air builds ripe esters of apple and a light tropical note over a waxy depth. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and waxier with time. The spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a soft beeswax.

At an approachable 43% it is fresh and clean. Apple, pear and fresh cut grass, over a gentle, creamy oak. The body is light and clean, the fruit lifted by a soft oak. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a fruity Speyside malt rarely seen on its own.