Speyburn 16 Years
When you hear ‘Travel Exclusive’, you immediately think of something special, something that you can only get hold of with difficulty when travelling, don't you? Well, the Speyburn 16 years fulfils this claim... but not in a positive sense.
Tasting Notes
Nose
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.
Palate
The promising aroma is followed by disillusionment. In the mouth, the Speyburn 16 years is unfortunately more watery than hoped for, which is rather disappointing for a 16 years 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.
Thoughts
Marcel 67/100
If you’re looking for a travel bargain with character, you might want to think twice before choosing the Speyburn 16 Years – unfortunately, the wood dominates here, and the promised journey of enjoyment falls flat. Despite its 16 years of maturation, it noticeably lacks depth and excitement, leaving you wondering if this whisky would have been better off staying on the shelf.
Sascha 65/100
The Speyburn 16 Years delivers the typical Speyside aromas but suffers from an unbalanced woodiness and a flat overall structure. The lack of complexity and the watery palate prevent a harmonious balance, which is why this Travel Exclusive comes across as rather average and not particularly memorable.
Value for Money: Fair
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What does the term "Travel Exclusive" mean for the Speyburn 16 Years?
"Travel Exclusive" indicates that the whisky was originally intended to be available only in duty-free shops or travel retail locations. However, in the case of the Speyburn 16 Years, this claim should be viewed critically, as availability can now vary and the designation does not necessarily guarantee a special quality.
How does the Speyburn 16 Years differ in taste from other 16-years Speyside whiskies?
The Speyburn 16 Years shows a promising nose with fruity and sweet notes but disappoints on the palate with a watery texture and unbalanced spice. Compared to other 16-years Speyside whiskies, it often lacks the depth and complexity one would normally expect.
Which aromas are particularly notable in the Speyburn 16 Years?
On the nose, ripe peaches, oranges, honey, vanilla, as well as almond and white chocolate dominate. On the palate, pepper, oak, pear, and apple come forward, while the finish is characterized by oak spice, pepper, vanilla, and a subtle hint of hazelnut.