Glenburgie 25 Years Old 1995 Cask #6283 (Wilson & Morgan)

A 25 year old Glenburgie from Wilson and Morgan, distilled in 1995, from cask 6283, at 51.4%, one of 224 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt, a blending malt rarely seen on its own and largely the work of independents. It has belonged to Chivas Brothers, part of Pernod Ricard, since 2005.

The spirit was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, for a light body with a gentle, waxy edge. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak gentle behind the spirit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer tropical fruit over a candle wax depth. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the Speyside spirit. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the spirit. Built for the blender's art, the make ages with quiet grace as a single malt. A soft waxiness from the spirit carries a thread through the maturation.

At 51.4%, undiluted, it is rich and waxy. Baked apple, grass and a light honey, over a gentle, creamy oak. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. A fresh finish closes on apple and a soft oak. This is a fragrant Speyside single malt of real lightness.