A good value in a single malt, lacks a little complexity.
Written: Aug 02 '07 (Updated Oct 03 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Value, smoothness, interesting mineral and fruit overtones.
Cons: Thin, lacks complexity found in higher in single-malts.
The Bottom Line: This is not as full and complex as I like in a whiskey, but it well priced and very smooth.
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| joseph06's Full Review: Speyburn 10 year Single Malt Scotch |
When it comes to Scotch, I generally look in two directions. Either I buy a bottle of whatever decent blend is on sale for the sake of making Scotch and Coke, or I buy Glenlivet 12 year old for sipping neat. But I saw this single malt on sale, so I thought I would give it a try. The first bottle I bought was sold simply as a bottle, though everywhere else I've seen it since it comes packaged with the bottle inside a can.
When you first pull the cork on this Scotch the initial aroma is not quite as rich as I have come to expect. This is very subtle Scotch, I found. It has a light, woody quality to the nose, along with the familiar peat and the suggestion of barley. As I drank it, I became aware of an intriguing mineral quality, and this whiskey does give you a taste of the river Spey that is unique. At the first sip, I found the this whiskey to be a little thin, even by Scotch standards, and the initial flavor of vanilla, oak, and peat does not really develop as you drink it. The mineral water quality is pleasant, however, and comes in the middle of the mouth. This whiskey also comes with a faint, vaguely fruity sense that is difficult to discern at first, but at least for me became characteristic the more I drank it. I would suspect both the mineral and fruit suggestions have to do with the very unique quality of the water in the highlands, because at 86 proof this Scotch doesn't have any sense of being watered down. There is just less barrel in the flavor than you might expect. Still, you have no doubt you're drinking a highland Scotch.
This isn't a bad whiskey, it just isn't a particularly exciting one. It is very easy to drink, almost like an Irish whiskey in that sense, and perhaps those that are a little overpowered by some of the richer, more complex Scotch Whiskey's will appreciate this one. It has a very light quality to it, perhaps from a mingling of the airy, woody overtones and the more buried mineral quality, that makes it well suited to an afternoon drink.
I generally take my Scotch neat, and I found with this one I am very, very sparing when it comes to adding water--if you are used to putting a "splash" of water in your Scotch, put a "drop" in this. It is a rather simple whiskey, overall, but it's certainly not bad. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to buy another bottle, unless I saw it on sale again. I do think it would be a very good way to introduce someone to whiskey, and those who are used to drinking vodka or rum might find that this whiskey opens the door to a multitude of new flavors without being too overpowering. I also think it would be a good choice to follow a meal if you've been drinking white wine. If you're a bourbon fan like me, you will probably find this whiskey leaves you somewhat unsatisfied, but it does grow on you. Overall, for the price it is very good value, and I wouldn't be ashamed to have it in my bar.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
joseph06
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Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 0 members
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