Speyburn 15 Years Old 2007 Cask #HL 19721 (Old Malt Cask)

This is a Speyburn single malt, chosen and bottled by Hunter Laing, aged 15 year old from 2007, drawn from cask HL 19721 and bottled at 50%. 669 bottles in all. Speyburn, founded in 1897 by the Hopkins brothers in a wooded glen on the edge of Rothes, was designed by the pagoda architect Charles Doig. Inver House runs it alongside Old Pulteney, Balblair and anCnoc.

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. A long fermentation builds the fruity esters that mark the house style. One of the best selling malts abroad, it stays quietly under appreciated at home. The classic onion stills and worm tubs give a fresh yet rounded Speyside spirit.

At 50%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. The Pedro Ximenez lends raisin, date and treacle, and fragrant honey and ripe fruit meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A ripe pear and a gentle spice lift it. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is an easy going, honeyed Speyside malt.