Speyburn 9 Years Old 2008 (Small Batch)

Single malt Speyburn, an independent Cadenhead's bottling, aged 9 year old from 2008 and bottled at 55.6%. The outturn was 540 bottles. Speyburn, built in 1897 in a sheltered Speyside glen by the Granty Burn, was designed by the pagoda architect Charles Doig. Charles Doig, inventor of the distillery pagoda, designed it, and his ventilator still tops the stillhouse.

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 this age the spirit is fresh and fruity, the apple and pear bright. The worm tub weight carries cask flavour while keeping the Speyside finesse. 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. One of the best selling malts abroad, it stays quietly under appreciated at home.

Undiluted at 55.6%, it is layered. A fresh, fruity sweetness meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run apple, honey and a soft spice. A fruity, gently spiced finish lingers long. This is a classic, fruity Speyside single malt.