Glencraig 1975 (G&M) (Bourbon Cask)

A 25 year old Glencraig from Gordon and MacPhail, distilled in 1975, at 40%. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt from near Alves, this a rare, discontinued make. The make was named for Willie Craig, a production director of the parent firm Hiram Walker. It has belonged to Chivas Brothers, part of Pernod Ricard, since 2005. It was expanded to six stills after the rebuild, one of the bigger distilleries in the group. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents.

The spirit was run off the stills with their adjustable necks, for a thick, waxy spirit unlike the light house style. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer tropical fruit over a candle wax depth. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards beeswax, tropical fruit and a gentle spice.

At an approachable 40% it is fresh and clean. Pear, honey and a thick, waxy oak, with a gentle oak sweetness. The mouthfeel is full and oily, the wax carrying the fruit. It finishes full, oily and waxy. This is the heavier sibling of the Glenburgie house style.