Glenburgie 8 Years Old 2012 (Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers) (Pedro Ximenez Cask)

A Glenburgie of an 8 year old chosen by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, distilled in 2012, at 47.5%, one of 663 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt from near Alves, founded in 1810 as Kilnflat. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents. It has belonged to Chivas Brothers, part of Pernod Ricard, since 2005. It has been a core malt of the Ballantine's blend since Hiram Walker bought it in 1936.

Worked unhurried through the stillhouse, for a soft, fruity spirit with a waxy thread. Maturation came in a Pedro Ximenez cask, layered over the fresh Glenburgie make. In these extractive early years the oak gives vanillin as vanilla and lactones as coconut over apple, pear and fresh grass. Built for the blender's art, the make ages with quiet grace as a single malt.

At a natural 47.5% it is full and waxy. A soft, orchard led sweetness with a floral lift, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. It is soft and gently waxy, the light spirit shining through. It finishes light, fresh and faintly waxy. This is a fruity Speyside malt rarely seen on its own.