Speyburn 21 Years Old 1971 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Gordon & MacPhail selected this Speyburn, a 21 year old from 1971 and bottled at 40%. Opened in 1897 by John Hopkin and Company in the Glen of Rothes on Speyside, Speyburn is a classic Speyside single malt. It was the first Scottish distillery fitted with drum maltings, which still stand on site.

Distilled in classic Speyside onion stills and condensed in traditional worm tubs, giving the fragrant, rounded spirit at its heart. Maturation came in American oak, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Long ageing brings a deeper dried fruit character and a mellow oak spice. Years in oak round the spirit, the honey and orchard fruit deepening with age. Water is drawn from the Granty Burn, a clear tributary of the Spey. Inver House runs Speyburn alongside Old Pulteney, Balblair and anCnoc. The name joins the Spey with the Scots word burn, for a Speyside stream. A long fermentation builds the fruity esters that mark the house style.

At 40% it is supple and honeyed. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with pear, honey and a fragrant lift. A dried fruit and a gentle oak spice give it depth. Honey and orchard fruit see out a long finish. This is the fresh Speyside malt of the Glen of Rothes.