Speyburn 10

[Gov]

Just wondering what people thought of this whisky. I am looking for an inexpensive SM to keep on hand that may be good for the summertime months. I thought this may fit the bill. This whisky is not mentioned much on the forum here, so I have a feeling it is not a big hit.

Regards

[woodhill]

I've seen mentioned on these forums that it puts the "burn" back into Speyburn!

[Gov]

I've seen mentioned on these forums that it puts the "burn" back into Speyburn!

So it is a tad hot ya say? Too sprity is not a good thing.

[Ganga]

It's reputation is worst than it's taste. I myself find it a bit oakey and astringent. I think there are better whiskies down in this price range but this may change shortly as several of the distilleries are rebranding their whiskies - Dalmore for instance.

Still if you buy one to try, you won't be out very much and you can always mix it with something.

[drunkenjayhawk]

For its price range it isn't bad. A little oakey and astringent at first taste to me but becoming less so thru the pour. I also think Tomatin 12 yo - nearly the same price in my area is a little better but not by too far.

[Deactivated Member]

I don't think Speyburn is bad - and the distillery is lovely (and has some interesting drum maltings). It's just that the whisky is a bit nondescript.

[Ganga]

Glowing praise from Nick. I read his reviews of The Speyside.

[Gov]

Yeah, Nick did not praise The Speyside to much. But, he did not "dis" Speyburn. Maybe a good sign?

[Deactivated Member]

I hope I don't just come across as negative. The Speyside is pretty grim, but I'd much rather focus on the whiskies that I do rate.

Top positive tip - hidden gem: Aultmore. I have had a couple of Aultmore IBs (notably at SMWS) and they are very good indeed. Mint, chocolate, orange, coffee, caramel...

[Ganga]

I hope I don't just come across as negative. The Speyside is pretty grim, but I'd much rather focus on the whiskies that I do rate.

Top positive tip - hidden gem: Aultmore. I have had a couple of Aultmore IBs (notably at SMWS) and they are very good indeed. Mint, chocolate, orange, coffee, caramel...

I didn't care for the Aultmore 12 but the two Signatory bottlings were very, very good. Signatory Vintage 11 yo 43% and Signatory Vintage CS 15 yo.

Your description looks like a refill sherry. True?

[Ganga]

A separate thought from my response to Nick.

Unlike The Speyside bottlings, there are some older expressions of the Speyburn around. I wouldn't write off Speyburn based on your experience with the 10 yo version. It's not fabulous but there is some goodness in the older expressions.

[Drrich1965]

Since you asked....Opened a bottle of Speyburn 10 last week...here we go...

Nose: Slighly sweet sherry, mild grapes, malty, gentle.

Mouth: A bit thin, dry, some mild spices toward the finish, a hint of sherry kick at the end.

Finish: Wheres the beef (or much of anything). Dry, some spices, something a bit artifical at the death.

Drinkable, mellow, non discript is a good descriptor....

[Deactivated Member]

Your description looks like a refill sherry. True?

In both cases, yes.

[TheTross]

Nondescript isn't a bad way of describing it at all. I thought it a little bland when I tried it, and although I found it pleasant enough I honestly could never see me buying a full bottle. If you want a good, cheap summer-time dram then might I recommend Aberlour 10? Along with delicate sherry I find strawberries and cream in that one; how much more summery can you get than that? Very easy-going too.

[Gov]

Thanks for all the good info, ladies and gents!

[Lawrence]

I have 3 unopened bottles (for which I cannot explain other than when I bought them years ago I liked the whisky), this thread has prompted me to open one of them tonight.

I'll report back...........

[Gov]

I have 3 unopened bottles (for which I cannot explain other than when I bought them years ago I liked the whisky), this thread has prompted me to open one of them tonight.

I'll report back...........

Please do, are they the 10 yrs old?

[Lawrence]

Yes, all 10 years old. I now have a glass in front of me and it is good. It is a gentle dram as has been previously commented on but there are no off notes and it has a nice malty finish. As everybody knows whisky is made from malted barley so it's nice evey once in a while to actaully taste malt in a dram. Perhaps a little mint in the back ground? It doesn't have a huge nose but has lots of flavour and I can see what people say about the alcohol, it is there but there is flavour to match. I wouldn't say that the alcohol is over the top. Malty finish and longish.

It's good. K&L have it for $22.99 so I wouldn't expect you could complain at that very low price. I'm glad I opened the bottle.

[Gov]

Thanks for the tasting notes Lawrence! I can get a 1.75L bottle for $34.95 by me.

[Lawrence]

That's basically .86 cents a dram.

Hard to go wrong.