Speyburn 12 Years Old 2006 Hepburn’s Choice (Langside Distillers)

From Langside Distillers comes this Speyburn, a 12 year old release from 2006 and bottled at 46%. Only 708 bottles were released. Speyburn was built in 1897 opposite Glen Grant near Rothes, and Inver House has run it since 1991. The name joins the river Spey with the Scots word burn, for a Speyside stream.

It was drawn off the stills into worm tubs, the old way of condensing, for a light, floral spirit with a worm tub weight. A sherry cask wrapped the fruity spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Around twelve to sixteen years the malt gains a fuller honey over the fruit. The light, fragrant make takes cask character readily across maturation. It was the first Scottish distillery fitted with drum maltings, still preserved on site. Worm tub condensers are still used, lending the make a rounded, fragrant weight.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and a gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood runs under honey, apple and a soft spice. The texture is rounded and soft, the fruit lifted by honey. The finish is rounded, honeyed and soft. This is a honeyed Speyside single malt of real charm.