Description

Glenburgie 2008 Aged 16 Years Connoisseurs Choice Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Gordon & MacPhail (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 57.5%           Age: 16 Years Old           Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): 17602305
Distilled: 2008
Bottled: 2024
Matured In: In a First Fill Sherry Hogshead. “First Fill” indicates that the hogshead (a medium-sized cask, usually ex-bourbon, re-coopered) previously held sherry and this is its first time holding Scotch whisky, imparting a richer influence of sherry, fruit, and oak.

For more than a century, Gordon & MacPhail has been entrusted with new-make spirit from more than 100 Scottish distilleries to mature in their way, using casks made to their exacting specifications. The ‘Distillery Labels’ range is a celebration of these long standing and unique relationships. The history of this range heralds back to their very beginnings – to the days when distillery spirit was produced primarily to be used in blends. Because of the strong working relationships Gordon & MacPhail had with distillery owners, they would bottle and sell the spirit they created as single malt on the condition that they used their ‘house’ label with the caption “bottled by Gordon & MacPhail”.

The “Connoisseurs Choice” range was created by George Urquhart, a visionary figure in the company, back in 1968. This series was revolutionary because it gave a platform to single malts. At a time when blends dominated the market, Connoisseurs Choice championed the unique character of individual single malts, some of which had never been bottled as such before. It offered whisky enthusiasts the chance to discover whiskies from nearly 100 different Scottish distilleries, showcasing the vast spectrum of flavours. These bottlings often represent unique perspectives on a distillery’s spirit, bottled at various strengths (including cask strength) and always non-chill-filtered.

This is a single malt from Glenburgie Distillery, a Speyside distillery primarily known for its significant contribution to Ballantine’s blend. Official single malt bottlings from Glenburgie are rare, making independent releases like this particularly exciting for enthusiasts to taste the distillery’s character on its own.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and inviting with prominent aromas of dark milk chocolate, stewed raisins, and toasted hazelnuts. There’s an underlying sweetness of vanilla and perhaps a hint of dried orange peel.

Palate: A wonderfully creamy texture immediately greets the palate, revealing a burst of vanilla custard and sweet fruitcake flavours. The sherry influence comes through beautifully with notes of Seville orange, spiced apple, and succulent sultanas. A gentle warmth of cracked black pepper and subtle oak spice provides balance. Full-bodied and velvety, coating the mouth richly, thanks to the high ABV and non-chill filtration. It feels robust yet refined.