Speyburn Highland Selection 27 Years Old 1973

This Speyburn, an official release, a 27 year old from 1973 and bottled at 46%. Speyburn was built in 1897 in a wooded glen on the edge of Rothes, and Inver House has run it since 1991. Keen to date the first fillings to Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, the men ran the first spirit in a 1897 snowstorm.

It was worked through worm tubs that lend a fuller, rounder body, for the fresh, fruity Speyside make Speyburn is known for. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. Long ageing brings a deeper dried fruit character and a mellow oak spice. The unpeated spirit lets the wood and the fruit speak without smoke. 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. The classic onion stills and worm tubs give a fresh yet rounded Speyside spirit.

At an approachable 46% it is fresh and balanced. Green apple and a gentle spice sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is fresh and clean, the fruity spirit shining through. It closes long, fruity and honeyed. This is Speyburn's bright, fragrant Speyside style.