Speyburn 7 Years Old 2009 Cask #701318 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

A Speyburn single malt, selected and bottled by The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd, a 7 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 701318 and bottled at 46%. The outturn was 400 bottles. Established in 1897 opposite Glen Grant near Rothes, Speyburn is a classic Speyside single malt. Water comes from the Granty Burn, a clear tributary of the Spey.

It was drawn off the stills into worm tubs, the old way of condensing, for a light, floral spirit with a worm tub weight. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the fresh malt. Still young, the malt is bright and fruity with a soft honey. The cool Speyside climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. 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.

At 46% it is supple and honeyed. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and a gentle vanilla and coconut from the wood, with apple, pear and heather honey. It is fragrant and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. Honey and orchard fruit see out a long finish. This is a clean, fruity malt from the heart of Speyside.