Glenburgie 32 Years Old 1989 Cask #2526

Gordon and MacPhail bottled this Glenburgie, a 32 year old, distilled in 1989, from cask 2526, at 55.2%, one of 160 bottles. Glenburgie is a light, fruity Speyside malt of orchard fruit, grass and a soft waxy thread. It has been a core malt of the Ballantine's blend since Hiram Walker bought it in 1936. It was expanded to six stills after the rebuild, one of the bigger distilleries in the group. It sits near Alves in Moray, east of Forres, in the heart of Speyside.

It was run slowly off the spirit still, building a light malt of orchard fruit and fresh grass. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. In its ethereal years the malt turns waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a whisper of sotolon. Built for the blender's art, the make ages with quiet grace as a single malt. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool Speyside warehouses.

At a hearty 55.2% it carries real weight. Pear, honey and a creamy oak, with a gentle oak sweetness. It is soft and gently waxy, the light spirit shining through. The finish is light, fruity and clean. This is a fruity Speyside malt rarely seen on its own.