Speyburn 21 Year Old 1988 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice

Speyburn is something of an unknown malt, that scores big in the USA, but is somewhat disregarded in Europe. The overhaul of the range in 2013 did not change that. I do not have a lot of experience with the Speysider and tried only one. When I passed the distillery in 2010, I found it not open to the public so a visit was impossible. Let me try a 21 Year Old from the warehouses of Gordon & Macphail.

The nose is fresh, mildly sour and sweet, very floral and a tad bitter. I am reminded of rotting oranges, which usually is not an offnote for me, but does not seem to work in this case. Apple? Nuts and some mint try to save the day, but I cannot say that this nose is nice.

It is fairly creamy on the palate. Again that sweet and sour. Apple and oranges, immediately upholstered with a sweetness that tastes somewhat chemical. Kiwi? Apricots? Cherries, for sure. Boy, this is hard work. Softly spiced with a touch of oak, without becoming oaky.

The finish is rather short.

Pity, but this is a very medicore dram with a strange twist. Nevertheless thank you, Jan!

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