Speyburn Distillery Exclusive – Single Cask 17 Years Old 2006

An official Speyburn single malt, a 17 year old from 2006, drawn from cask 4 and bottled at 56.8%. A release of 552 bottles. Speyburn was founded in 1897 by the Hopkins brothers in the heart of Speyside at Rothes, and it still runs Charles Doig's 1897 distillery. The name joins the river Spey with the Scots word burn, for a Speyside stream.

The spirit was made in copper onion stills, the spirit cooled in worm tubs, for a fruity, honeyed make of real charm. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the fresh character to the fore. By this age the fresh spirit rounds into heather honey and orchard fruit. Sherry wood suits the make well, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. Inver House runs Speyburn alongside Old Pulteney, Balblair and anCnoc. 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.

At its natural 56.8% it is concentrated. Vanilla and a creamy note from the barrel runs under honey, apple and a soft spice. It is fragrant and deep, the fruit and oak well matched. A long, honeyed finish carries a fruity lift. This is a honeyed Speyside single malt of real charm.