Glenburgie 19 Years Old 1997 Cask #9320 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

Chosen by The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd, the Glasgow bottler founded by Brian Crook in 1992, this a 19 year old Glenburgie, distilled in 1997, from cask 9320, at 46%, one of 300 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt made near Alves in Moray, east of Forres. The old distillery was demolished and rebuilt in 2004, only the little stone office left standing.

Run slowly off the spirit still, shaping a fine, clean malt with a floral lift. Maturation came in an Oloroso cask, layered over the fresh Glenburgie make. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a gentle, drying grip across the fruit. Built for the blender's art, the make ages with quiet grace as a single malt. The spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a soft beeswax. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At 46% it is bright, waxy and soft. Apple, pear and fresh cut grass, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Soft apple and a waxy honey sit behind the cask. The finish runs delicate, fruity and waxy. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.