Speyburn 16 Years Old

Smell

From the very first sniff, you get the feeling that it could be something after all. The aromas of ripe peaches and oranges almost jump out at you, accompanied by a pleasant sweetness reminiscent of honey and vanilla. A hint of almond and white chocolate lend the whole thing an almost seductive note. But beware: the fragrance promises more than the whisky can deliver.

Taste

The promising aroma is followed by disillusionment. In the mouth, the Speyburn 16 year old is unfortunately more watery than hoped for, which is rather disappointing for a 16 year old whisky. Yes, there are spices such as pepper and oak, but they are more intrusive than balanced. The sweetness of honey and white chocolate comes through, but struggles in vain against the excess of old wood and the surprisingly flat structure. A hint of pear and apple tries to turn the tide, but it remains a desperate attempt.

Finish

But the finish saves? Unfortunately not. Medium-long and quickly forgotten, one thing above all remains in the memory: oak spice, a little pepper, a hint of vanilla and, at the very end, a subtle hazelnut note. But even here the experience is rather flat and not very complex.