Right, we’ve looked at quite a few blends now… so let’s head back to the land of single malt. Today we’ll take a quick wee review of Master of Malt / That Boutique-y Whisky Company – Glenburgie Batch 1, 49%.

Colour: Gold to straw yellow
Nose: Rich and fairly classic speyside nose, thick and oily, vanilla, slight touches of heather with some costal character and hints of smoke (probably from the cask).
Palate: Medium mouth feel that’s spicy and a little hot, yes it’s high ABV, but also maybe slightly young. Once you get past the heat (a drop of water will help), it’s really quite a sweet and slightly honeyed dram amongst the heaviness.
Finish: Fairly long, slightly hot, maybe a little young, slight sour wood notes right at the end.
Thoughts: An important component in Ballantine’s blended whisky and not found that often as a single malt. You can see why it is used in Ballantine’s, it’s flavoursome and will add good bulk to any blend. As a single malt it’s ok, and in this case a drop of water is really recommended to bring it up to scratch. If (and that’s a big if) this is output of the newly rebuilt Glenburgie then it’s probably no more than 9 years old and not cask strength, but then maybe it’s stock from the old build, who knows. 83.

Thanks to Master of Malt for the sample.
Available from Master of Malt for £43.95