Speyburn 18 Years
The Speyburn 18 year is currently the oldest standard bottling from Speyburn, located in the Speyside region of Scotland. As one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, the bottlings fly under the radar for many. That should change.This year, the Speyburn distillery celebrates its 125th anniversary. Instead of an anniversary bottling, the website features some cocktail recipes specifically for Speyburn whisky. We just hope that no one sinks the multi-award-winning 18-years single malt in a cocktail.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, Speyburn 18 presents strong aromas of raisins, leather, and sugar, as well as dried plums and nutty notes. The whisky has a full-bodied and dark character, with an intense oak aroma that balances out the sweeter notes. There is also a hint of citrus and dark chocolate, giving it a slightly similar profile to Schwarzwälder Kirsch without the cream.
Palate
It is not as sweet as one might expect based on its nose. Instead, it has an intense sherry aroma and a clear oak spice that dominates the flavor profile. There are also subtle citrus notes present, which add a touch of freshness and balance out the sweetness of the sherry and the spiciness of the oak.
Finish
The finish is long and slightly bitter, with a lasting sweetness. The bitterness adds depth and complexity, while the sweetness adds a touch of balance and roundness.
Thoughts
Marcel 80/100
The Speyburn 18 is a charming companion for connoisseurs who have a penchant for classic sherry notes – full-bodied, intense, and with a touch of sweet depth that leaves you wanting more. While it lacks that certain something to become a true classic, it brings plenty of enjoyment as a reliable everyday whisky and adds character to the glass.
Sascha 82/100
With its balanced interplay of intense oak spice, subtle citrus hints, and a long-lasting, slightly bitter finish, the Speyburn 18 presents itself as a technically well-structured single malt. Despite a lack of innovation, it impresses with a complex flavor profile and solid maturity, appealing especially to lovers of traditional Speyside sherry whiskies.
Value for Money: Good
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How does the Speyburn 18 Years differ from younger releases from the distillery?
The Speyburn 18 Years is distinguished by its full-bodied, dark character with intense aromas of sherry, oak, and dried fruits, which are usually less pronounced in younger releases. The extended maturation adds complexity, depth, and a long-lasting, slightly bitter finish.
Why shouldn’t you use the Speyburn 18 Years in cocktails?
The Speyburn 18 Years is a multi-award-winning single malt with complex aromas such as raisins, leather, and dark chocolate. These delicate nuances often get lost in cocktails, so it’s better enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to fully experience its flavor profile.
How does the Speyside location influence the flavor notes of the Speyburn 18 Years?
The Speyside region is known for rather fruity and sweet whiskies with elegant sherry and oak aromas. The Speyburn 18 Years showcases this typical balance with a combination of sweet raisin and plum notes alongside a pronounced oak spiciness characteristic of the region.