Glenburgie Batch 5 (TBWC)

A Glenburgie of an 8 year old chosen by That Boutique-y Whisky Company, at 55.2%, one of 1891 bottles. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt, a blending malt rarely seen on its own and largely the work of independents. The old distillery was demolished and rebuilt in 2004, only the little stone office left standing. It sits near Alves in Moray, east of Forres, in the heart of Speyside.

Drawn from a long fermentation, giving a fragrant, orchard led Speyside spirit. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak gentle behind the spirit. 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. A soft waxiness from the spirit carries a thread through the maturation. 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. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. A long, fruity finish carries a waxy honey. This is a fruity Speyside malt rarely seen on its own.