Speyburn 8 Years Old 2005 Cask #DMG 10437 (Douglas McGibbon)

A Speyburn single malt, selected and bottled by Douglas McGibbon, aged 8 year old from 2005, drawn from cask DMG 10437 and bottled at 46%. Speyburn, founded in 1897 by the Hopkins brothers opposite Glen Grant near Rothes, was designed by the pagoda architect Charles Doig. 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. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. At this age the spirit is fresh and fruity, the apple and pear bright. The cool Speyside climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. 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. Hopkins also owned Tobermory on Mull when he built Speyburn in 1897.

At 46% it is clean and fruity. 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. A warming, fruity finish lingers. This is a clean, fruity malt from the heart of Speyside.