Speyburn 8 Years Old 2017 (Hart Brothers)

Bottled by Hart Brothers, this Speyburn, an 8 year old release from 2017 and bottled at 46%. Speyburn was first built in 1897 in a sheltered Speyside glen by the Granty Burn, and it has made its fruity Speyside malt for over a century. Keen to date the first fillings to Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, the men ran the first spirit in a 1897 snowstorm.

Distilled on Granty Burn water through onion stills with worm tubs, building the classic Speyside style it is loved for. Maturation came in American oak, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. At a youthful age the orchard fruit is lively and the malt fragrant. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. It was the first Scottish distillery fitted with drum maltings, still preserved on site. Worm tub condensers are still used, lending the make a rounded, fragrant weight. The first spirit ran in a December snowstorm in 1897, to date the fillings to the Diamond Jubilee.

At 46% it is soft, honeyed and fragrant. Green apple and a gentle spice sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Soft orchard fruit and vanilla sit behind the sweetness. A fruity, gently spiced finish lingers long. This is Speyburn's bright, fragrant Speyside style.