Scotch

Speyburn 15 Year Old

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Whisky Review: Speyburn 15 Year Old

We review Speyburn 15 Year Old, a single malt whisky from the Speyburn distillery that's located in (you guessed it) the Speyside region of Scotland.
  • Kirk Sig is a whisky connoisseur known for his candid and investigative approach to whisky reviews.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
Speyburn 15-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky; 750ml; 46 percent Alcohol by Volume.
Appearance:
Old gold in color with unrefined legs and beading.
Nose:
Mulled cider; dried apricot; all spice; clover honey; wet moss; light roast coffee grounds.
Palate:
Honeycomb; caramel; vanilla creme wafer; orange marmalade; cinnamon; Sweet’n Low artificial sweetner. The finish is short and clipped, offering very little in the way of a residual impression. s). Sending User Review 3.67 (3 votes) Buy A Bottle Share: XFacebookLinkedInEmail Drinks Aizome Island – Tropical Style Minor Cobbler Strawberry Rhubarb Julep Crimson & Clover Club Wynken, Blynken, & Nog Related Articles Whiskey Review: Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon Editor’s Note: The Whiskey Wash… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Wheel Horse Cigar Blend Bourbon Bourbon / Reviews Whiskey Review: Highline Triple Rye Whiskey Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Highline Triple Rye Whiskey American / Reviews Whiskey Review: Savage & Cooke American Whiskey Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Savage & Cooke American Whiskey American / Reviews Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Octomore 14.3 Editor’s Note: This whisky was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Octomore 14.3 Reviews / Scotch Whisky Review: Glenglassaugh 12 Years Old Editor’s Note: This whisky was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whisky Review: Glenglassaugh 12 Years Old Reviews / Scotch Whiskey Review: Highline American Whiskey Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Highline American Whiskey American / Reviews Whiskey Review: Savage & Cooke Rye Whiskey Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Savage & Cooke Rye Whiskey American / Reviews Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Octomore 14.2 Editor’s Note: This whisky was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Octomore 14.2 Reviews / Scotch Whisky Review: Glenglassaugh Sandend Editor’s Note: This whisky was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whisky Review: Glenglassaugh Sandend Reviews / Scotch Whiskey Review: Highline Straight Kentucky Whiskey Editor’s Note: This whiskey was… READ ARTICLE ? about Whiskey Review: Highline Straight Kentucky Whiskey American / Reviews Whisky Kirk Kirk discovered the brilliance of Scottish whisky in 1987 while vacationing in Edinburgh. Over the course of three and a half decades that followed, he’s built upon a knowledge of distilleries and the industry, as well as world whisky. Kirk prides himself on speaking honestly while avoiding the usual flattery… More by Whisky Kirk Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Connect with on on LinkedIn About Advertise Subscribe Editorial Standards Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Finish:
Comments:
Speyburn 15 Year Old whisky isn’t the sort of dram to save for special occasions. Frankly, as for the difference between 12-15 years with regards to Scotch whisky bottlings, the Speyburn doesn’t taste particularly refined to me, especially when compared with a Springbank 15 Year Old, or a Highland Park 15 Year Old. I would rather drink an Old Pulteney 12 Year Old instead of a Speyburn 15 Year Old any day of the week, which is somewhat ironic because the same corporation owns both distilleries.rnrnDespite these rather sobering cost-to-value comparisons, I’m happy to share a real life story that, more of less, “sings the praises” of Speyburn, at least when cost is not a factor. A few weeks ago, I brought a bottle of Speyburn 15 Year Old to a party with friends that regularly drink blended Scotch whisky, and it was a big hit. Nearly half the bottle was consumed in a few hours’ time. Most people drank it neat in one hand, along with a beer in the other.rnrnUpon leaving the party, I was offered compliments and thanks for bringing the Speyburn. One guy said, “That sure beats Famous Grouse!” Yes, I took the half-consumed bottle back home with me . . . to save for another occasion with the same faces (and palates).

Speyburn is based, not surprisingly, in the Speyside region of Scotland, even though older Speyburn 10-Year-Old bottles in the past were labeled as “Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky.” Speyburn Distillery was founded in 1897 by John Hopkins & Company and built near the Granty Burn, a stream hidden in a valley, using in part river stones from the bed of the River Spey. The distillery today is noted most visually for its Pagoda style roof poking through the tree tops where it is located.

The core range of Speyburn at present is the 10-Year-Old, the 15-Year-Old, and Bradan Orach No Age Statement whiskies. Today, I will be reviewing the 15-Year-Old, which has been aged in combination of American oak and Spanish oak casks. The whiskies typical of the distillery’s offerings are aged in what’s described as traditional dunnage warehouses after having been distilled on so-called “classic Speyside” still equipment.

Speyburn 15 Year Old
image via Whisky Kirk/The Whiskey Wash

Tasting Notes: Speyburn 15 Year Old

Vital Stats: Speyburn 15-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky; 750ml; 46 percent Alcohol by Volume.

Appearance: Old gold in color with unrefined legs and beading.

Nose: Mulled cider; dried apricot; all spice; clover honey; wet moss; light roast coffee grounds.

Palate: Honeycomb; caramel; vanilla creme wafer; orange marmalade; cinnamon; Sweet’n Low artificial sweetner. The finish is short and clipped, offering very little in the way of a residual impression.

Whisky Kirk

Kirk Sig's fascination with Scottish whisky ignited in 1987 during a visit to Edinburgh. In the ensuing three and a half decades, he has cultivated an extensive understanding of distilleries, the whisky industry, and the global whisky landscape.

Kirk prides himself on providing candid and unvarnished reviews, eschewing the prevalent flattery and fluff that often permeate whisky commentary. This direct approach has occasionally ruffled feathers in influential circles, which he views as a testament to his commitment to prioritize the interests of the consumer.

Embracing the spirit of investigative journalism, Kirk's reviews delve deeper, leaving no stone—or cask—unturned. He believes in transparency and ensures that readers are privy to any noteworthy findings, fostering an informed and empowered whisky community.

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