Speyburn 10 Years Old (Premier Barrel)

Douglas Laing selected this Speyburn, a 10 year old Speyside malt and bottled at 46%. Only 357 bottles were released. Speyburn was opened in 1897 by John Hopkin and Company in the heart of Speyside at Rothes; it is now an Inver House Speyside malt. It was the first Scottish distillery fitted with drum maltings, which still stand on site.

The spirit was made in copper onion stills, the spirit cooled in worm tubs, for a fruity, honeyed make of real charm. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Younger here, it keeps a clean, floral freshness over light honey. Long, gentle ageing turns the orchard fruit towards honey and soft spice. The classic onion stills and worm tubs give a fresh yet rounded Speyside spirit. Hopkins also owned Tobermory on Mull when he built Speyburn in 1897. The cool Speyside glen gives a slow, even maturation in dunnage warehouses.

At 46% it is soft, honeyed and fragrant. Vanilla and a creamy note from the barrel, with pear, honey and a fragrant lift. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it depth. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is the fresh Speyside malt of the Glen of Rothes.