Glenburgie 22 Years Old 1997 Cask #8530

Chosen by Gordon and MacPhail, the Elgin grocer laying down casks on South Street since 1895, this a 22 year old Glenburgie, distilled in 1997, from cask 8530, at 59.1%, one of 584 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt, owned by Chivas Brothers and one of the larger Speyside distilleries. It has been a core malt of the Ballantine's blend since Hiram Walker bought it in 1936. Its make has long fed big blends like Old Smuggler down the decades.

The spirit was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, shaping a fine, clean malt with a floral lift. An Oloroso cask held it, drawing the light spirit on over the years. Through the evaporative decades the esters fold into mango, beeswax and a waxy honey. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Built for the blender's art, the make ages with quiet grace as a single malt.

At its natural 59.1% it is full and fruity. Green apple, citrus and a waxy note, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. A long, fruity finish carries a waxy honey. This is a fruity Speyside malt rarely seen on its own.