Speyburn distillery is located in the Rothes Glen and was founded in 1897 by John Hopkins & Co., a company that was owned by the brothers John and Edward Hopkins and their cousin Edward Broughton. In 1916 both the company and the distillery were acquired by Distillers Company Limited. Like many other Scottish whisky distilleries Speyburn did not produce any whisky during the First World War, and production was again halted between 1930 and 1934, as well as during the Second World War. However after 1945 production resumed and has continued uninterrupted until the present day. In 1962 Speyburn was transferred to Scottish Malt Distillers and in 1991 was bought by Inver House Distillers. Since 2006 Inver House have been part of International Beverage Holdings Ltd. This 25-year old Solera was first released in 2005 and is a marriage of Speyburn single malt matured in American fino sherry casks and bourbon casks.
The nose is rich, grassy, and wonderfully malty. Vanilla fudge and notes of milk chocolate start this off, followed by honey and a touch of peppermint.
The palate is medium-bodied and buttery. Vanilla and honey flavours are back and play the main part. Towards the end dry wood spice becomes more and more apparent.
The finish is long and warming. Honey and liquorice are followed by distinct malty notes.
This is good stuff in my opinion: rich, smooth, fruity and delightfully malty. It may not be too widely known but will hardly disappoint those who try it.
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