Lesser-known Speyside-based distillery Speyburn is not a new up-and-coming site that is in the process of building an initial reputation – indeed Speyburn was founded back in 1897 by Charles Doig (the chap who invented the pagoda as a means to provide ventilation to distillery kilns). However, few people outside of the US and whisky enthusiasts circles have really heard of the distillery and its bottlings. Until the last couple of years, Speyburn has been marketed as a very low cost single malt option – particularly in the American market, but that bargain-price strategy has not engendered a widespread fan base, nor a particularly high reputation. But things are gradually starting to change over at Speyburn.
Salmon heads, cannons and a breast-feeding Jon Beach. There are times when writing before breakfast proves to be a correct decision. Dramboree (oh how I miss thee) in-jokes a plenty here – so I’m going to peg this as hailing from Speyburn. It's been matured in a refill hogshead since 1987 and has been bottled at 45.8%.
This Speyburn was matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel for 8 years. Young and Spritely profile.
Only the ninth SMWS bottling from this slightly elusive Speyside distillery. It’s all in the name here with a flying salmon being part of the Speyburn logo for many a year. Matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel for a mere 8 years. Light and Delicate profile.
We’ve had a few bottlings from Speyburn over the course of the year – this one is a younger example, matured in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead. Young & spritely profile.
We’ve seen a raft of SMWS Speyburns recently – here’s another for you. A 9 year old drawn from a refill ex-bourbon barrel. Sweet, Fruity & Mellow profile.
A straight-forward maturation for this Speyburn – 9 years in a refill ex-bourbon barrel.
More fun salmon times with a 10 year old Speyburn from the a refill ex-bourbon hogshead.
Whisky pricing is not an exact science. But in some instances, it can get pretty close. Whilst some smaller bottlers might seem to take the cost of a cask, divide it by the number of bottles produced and then stick a finger into the air to decide on the sticker price – most don’t. Though some of the prices I've seen lately do make you seriously wonder. When it comes to the larger players, well those guys have whole departments pouring over sales figures and competitors’ pricing to ensure that bottles their end up feeling reassuringly expensive – but still at the same time sell.