Glenburgie 29 Years Old 1989 Cask #14087 (BB&R)

This Glenburgie comes from Berry Bros and Rudd, the London house at No.3 St James's Street, merchants since 1698, a 29 year old, distilled in 1989, from cask 14087, at 46%. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt, long the fruity heart of the Ballantine's blend. It was expanded to six stills after the rebuild, one of the bigger distilleries in the group. It has belonged to Chivas Brothers, part of Pernod Ricard, since 2005. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents.

The spirit was distilled in tall onion shaped pot stills, building a light malt of orchard fruit and fresh grass. Maturation came in an Oloroso cask, layered over the fresh Glenburgie make. 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.

At 46% it is bright, waxy and soft. Green apple, citrus and a waxy note, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. It is soft and gently waxy, the light spirit shining through. Green apple, honey and a soft oak see it out. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.