Glenburgie 45 Years Old 1975 (North Star)

This Glenburgie was bottled by North Star Spirits, a 45 year old, distilled in 1975, at 45%, one of 81 bottles. Glenburgie is a light, fruity Speyside malt of orchard fruit, grass and a soft waxy thread. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents.

Taken gently through wash and spirit stills, giving a fragrant, orchard led Speyside spirit. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the orchard fruit. Ethereal and fragile, the decades draw it to a honeyed, waxy delicacy of tropical fruit and old oak. Built for the blender's art, the make ages with quiet grace as a single malt. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards beeswax, tropical fruit and a gentle spice. A soft waxiness from the spirit carries a thread through the maturation. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At an approachable 45% it is fresh and clean. Baked apple, grass and a light honey, with a gentle oak sweetness. A green apple and a gentle citrus lift the middle. A long, fruity finish carries a waxy honey. This is a fruity Speyside malt rarely seen on its own.