Scotch

Speyburn 10 Year Old Scotch Whisky Review

Can a single malt Scotch under $40 really impress? Speyburn 10 offers a classic Speyside profile that's approachable, easy to love, and remarkably good value.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

Speyburn is a distillery in Scotland’s Speyside whisky region. It was founded in 1897 by John Hopkins, who was determined to have whisky flowing before the end of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee year. Construction ran behind schedule, so the workers had to distil their first spirit while the distillery was still unfinished (there were reportedly no proper doors, windows or even a completed roof). They nevertheless managed to fill their first cask on 31 December 1897, just in time for it to bear the Jubilee year.

Speyburn 10 is an award-winning single malt from the distillery’s core range. It has been matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, and it is bottled at an approachable 40% ABV.
Appearance:
Bright gold
Nose:
Fruity with plenty of fresh apricots, peaches and apples. Some cream, and a touch of spice.
Palate:
Sweet vanilla with hints of toffee. There’s some marzipan and a gentle hint of bitter cocoa.
Finish:
Slightly drying, with a lingering fruity note that reminds me of litchis.
Comments:
Speyburn 10 is an easy whisky to like. It isn’t the most complex or bold whisky, but it’s one I’d happily pour again. It offers a classic Speyside profile that’s approachable and also remarkably good value. I can usually find a bottle for around $36.

If you’re new to single malt Scotch, it’s an excellent place to begin. More experienced drinkers may still appreciate it as an uncomplicated everyday dram.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Genevieve Jacot-Guillarmod

Genevieve is a whisky enthusiast from South Africa with a PhD in Philosophy, so she enjoys both drinking and thinking about whisky. She loves tasting new whiskies whenever she gets the chance - so much so that a few years ago she set up a small whisky tasting business, "Kenton on Whisky", in the tiny coastal town where she lives (this also serves as an excellent excuse to grow her selection of whiskies beyond reasonable limits).

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