Speyburn 8 Years Old 2016 Cask #8872 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

This Speyburn was from the independent bottler The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd, aged 8 year old from 2016, drawn from cask 8872 and bottled at 50%. Only 282 bottles were released. Speyburn, built in 1897 in a sheltered Speyside glen by the Granty Burn, was designed by the pagoda architect Charles Doig. One of the best selling malts abroad, it remains quietly under appreciated at home.

Distilled on Granty Burn water through onion stills with worm tubs, building the classic Speyside style it is loved for. Maturation in a wine cask lent berry fruit and a soft spice. At this age the spirit is fresh and fruity, the apple and pear bright. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. A long fermentation builds the fruity esters that mark the house style. One of the best selling malts abroad, it stays quietly under appreciated at home.

At a natural 50% it is full and fruity. The Port cask adds plum and red berry, and orchard fruit and a floral lift sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run apple, honey and a soft spice. The close is soft, fruit over gentle oak. This is the fresh face of Speyside whisky.