Speyburn 9 Years Old 2009 Cask #701324 (A.D. Rattray)

Bottled by A.D. Rattray, this Speyburn, a 9 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 701324 and bottled at 51.5%. The outturn was 174 bottles. Opened in 1897 by John Hopkin and Company in a sheltered Speyside glen by the Granty Burn, Speyburn is a classic Speyside single malt. 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. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the fresh character to the fore. Younger here, it keeps a clean, floral freshness over light honey. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the honeyed, fruity core over time. 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 a full 51.5% it is intense yet fragrant. Green apple and a gentle spice sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. It is fresh and clean, the fruity spirit shining through. It finishes clean, fresh and fruity. This is Speyburn's bright, fragrant Speyside style.