Speyburn 13 Years Old 2005 Cask #105 (The Whisky Chamber)

Single malt Speyburn, an independent The Whisky Chamber bottling, a 13 year old Speyside malt from 2005, drawn from cask 105 and bottled at 56.9%. 348 bottles in all. Set in a wooded glen on the edge of Rothes, Speyburn has distilled since 1897. Charles Doig, inventor of the distillery pagoda, designed it, and his ventilator still tops the stillhouse.

It was worked through worm tubs that lend a fuller, rounder body, for the fresh, fruity Speyside make Speyburn is known for. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Past a decade the fruit deepens into honey, dried fruit and a soft spice. Refill oak lets the fresh distillery character lead, fruit over malt. Bradan Orach, the distillery's youngest core malt, is Gaelic for golden salmon. Speyburn sits in a wooded glen on the edge of Rothes, one of Speyside's prettiest distilleries.

At 56.9%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and a fresh, fruity sweetness meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is fresh and clean, the fruity spirit shining through. It finishes clean, fresh and fruity. This is a classic, fruity Speyside single malt.