Whisky Review: Speyburn 15 Year Old

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).