Glenburgie 26 Years Old 1988 Cask #14485 (Morrison and MacKay)

Morrison and MacKay bottled this Glenburgie, a 26 year old, distilled in 1988, from cask 14485, at 48.5%, one of 267 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt, owned by Chivas Brothers and one of the larger Speyside distilleries. It sits near Alves in Moray, east of Forres, in the heart of Speyside. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents. It has been a core malt of the Ballantine's blend since Hiram Walker bought it in 1936.

The spirit was distilled in tall onion shaped pot stills, shaping a fine, clean malt with a floral lift. 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. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the Speyside spirit.

At a hearty 48.5% it carries real weight. Green apple, citrus and a waxy note, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is light, a faint waxiness carrying the fruit. The close is light and clean, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.