Speyburn 16 Years Old 2001 (Authentic Collection)

This Speyburn was from the independent bottler Cadenhead's, a 16 year old release from 2001 and bottled at 53.3%. 438 bottles in all. Speyburn was founded in 1897 by the Hopkins brothers on the northern edge of Rothes in Speyside, and it still runs Charles Doig's 1897 distillery. One of the best selling malts abroad, it remains quietly under appreciated at home.

The spirit was run through onion shaped stills and worm tub condensers for a rounded make, to build a clean, orchard fruit character. 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. A long fermentation builds the fruity esters before the spirit meets the cask. Charles Doig, who designed it, invented the pagoda roof now seen across Scotch distilleries. It was the first Scottish distillery fitted with drum maltings, still preserved on site.

At a hearty 53.3% it carries real weight. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and orchard fruit and a floral lift sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. A ripe pear and a gentle spice lift it. It closes long, fruity and honeyed. This is the fresh face of Speyside whisky.