Speyburn Adds A New 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky To Its Line Up

Speyside’s Speyburn Distillery has announced an 18-year-old single malt—the oldest in the distillery’s core lineup—to celebrate distillery manager Bobby Anderson’s 18th anniversary with the distillery.

Anderson started at Speyburn in the summer of 2000, and “has been pivotal in Speyburn’s successful renovation and rebranding,” according to a press release. “Over the course of the past 18 years, Bobby’s committed contribution to the distillery has helped to increase yearly production from 1 million litres of alcohol to 4.5 million and extend the Speyburn portfolio from two malts within the core range to seven (including the 18 Years Old), with further limited editions regularly being released.”

“Since his appointment, he’s played an instrumental role in the business’ growth and development, of Speyburn,” said Gillian Gibson, brand manager at International Beverage, which owns Speyburn. “Having crafted a variety of stunning expressions in this time, with many of these receiving numerous industry accolades, it’s only right we celebrate this landmark anniversary, toasting his hard work with an equally rewarding single malt.”

This expression was aged 18 years in a mix of American and Spanish barrels. The distillery’s tasting notes are as follows:

“Dark golden in colour, this expression is brimming with aromas of sweet toffee, sugared almonds and chunky, tropical fruit. Hints of caramelised apples give way to a very slight honeyed smokiness, making this expression a real treat on the nose.

On the palate, the 18 Years Old exudes creamy dark chocolate, toffee and a gentle oak spiciness. Followed by a touch of citrus which gives way to a slightly smoky finish with an enticing bittersweet edge. Full-bodied, this whisky oozes indulgence with a charming, long finish.”

Speyburn 18 Years Old Anniversary Edition is the first iteration of what will be an annual release. The run is limited to 9,000 bottles, and is retailing at a suggested price of £85, or about $110 USD. That price also gets you a commemorative medallion and “bespoke neck tag.”