Speyburn 8 Years Old 2012 (Premier Barrel)

This is a Speyburn single malt, chosen and bottled by Douglas Laing, an 8 year old from 2012 and bottled at 46%. Just 400 bottles were filled. Founded in 1897 on the northern edge of Rothes in Speyside, Speyburn is a classic Speyside single malt. Inver House runs it alongside Old Pulteney, Balblair and anCnoc.

The spirit was run through onion shaped stills and worm tub condensers for a rounded make, to build a clean, orchard fruit character. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. Still young, the malt is bright and fruity with a soft honey. Worm tub condensing gives a fuller, faintly sulphury new make that matures into a delicate, fragrant fruit. 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 an easy 46% it is gentle. Fragrant honey and ripe fruit meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. A ripe pear and a gentle spice lift it. Apple, honey and oak draw out the close. This is an easy going, honeyed Speyside malt.