Speyburn 9 Years Old 2009 (SMWS 88.18)

Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottled this Speyburn single malt matured to 9 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 88.18 and bottled at 52.9%. Just 222 bottles were filled. Set in the Glen of Rothes on Speyside, Speyburn has distilled since 1897. Traditional worm tub condensers are still used, giving a rounded, fragrant make.

Distilled in classic Speyside onion stills and condensed in traditional worm tubs, giving the fragrant, rounded spirit at its heart. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. At a youthful age the orchard fruit is lively and the malt fragrant. A patient maturation suits the clean, fruity Speyburn character. Speyburn sits in a wooded glen on the edge of Rothes, one of Speyside's prettiest distilleries. Charles Doig, who designed it, invented the pagoda roof now seen across Scotch distilleries. It was the first Scottish distillery fitted with drum maltings, still preserved on site.

At cask strength 52.9% it is full bodied. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under a clean, honeyed fruitiness. The mouthfeel is rounded, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish runs fresh, soft and fragrant. This is a fruity Speysider from Rothes.