Although little-known in the UK, Speyburn is the sixth most popular single malt in the US thanks to the efforts of owners Inver House, who bought the distillery from United Distillers (later to become part of Diageo) in 1991.

Speyburn was built in 1897, by Edward Broughton and his two cousins: Edward and John Hopkin. Broughton had previously owned Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. The Speyburn distillery was constructed for 17,000 and designed by the renowned Elgin-based distillery designer Charles Doig. Production began in December, though the build had yet to be completed – such was the owners intent to produce whisky to mark Queen Victorias Jubilee year. The windows and doors had yet to be fitted and a severe blizzard hit the distillery on New Years Eve. The employees had to work in heavy coats into the small hours of the morning to produce that one barrel of Speyburn 1897 Scotch whisky.

The decidedly compact whisky distillery sits in the gentle undulations of Moray, just to the north of Rothes. The Speyburn distillery is rather quaint with its pagoda roof and pretty stone buildings, indeed it is said to be Scotlands most prolifically photographed. In 1916, Distillers Company Limited acquired Speyburn from John Hopkin and they subsequently closed the distillery for the Second World War and did not reopen it until 1947. During this period, two regiments from the Scottish Artillery used the distillery for accommodation.

In 1991, Speyburn distillery was acquired by Inver House and a decade later they in turn are bought out by Pacific Spirits. Pacific Spirits were latterly acquired by Thai Beverages Plc. The Speyburn distillery was the first to use the drum malting system, though they later abandoned it in 1968. The drum maltings have since been protected by Historic Scotland and as such they remain intact at the distillery.

Speyburn 10yo

Speyburn 10 years old single malt undergoes full maturation in a combination of American Oak ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before being married together.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A fruity nose with hints of orange, mandarin and cooking apple. A touch of oak, peppermint and spice.

Palate: A light, gentle palate with soft malt, sweet, toasty barley with liquorice and dried herbs.

Finish: Just a touch of smoke trails off on the finish.