Glenburgie 23 Years Old 1989 (Chester Whisky & Liqueur Company)

Chester Whisky and Liqueur Company bottled this Glenburgie, a 23 year old, distilled in 1989, at 54.8%, one of 212 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 water is drawn from a local spring near the distillery. Its make has long fed big blends like Old Smuggler down the decades.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for a soft, fruity spirit with a waxy thread. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the orchard fruit. Through the evaporative decades the esters fold into mango, beeswax and a waxy honey. 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. A soft waxiness from the spirit carries a thread through the maturation.

At its natural 54.8% it is full and fruity. Pear, honey and a creamy oak, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The body is light and clean, the fruit lifted by a soft oak. Green apple, honey and a soft oak see it out. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.