Description

Speyburn Rum Cask Finish Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml          ABV: 40%          Age: No Age Statement         Country: Scotland

The Whisky

Embark on a tropical Speyside escape with the Speyburn Rum Cask Finish. Part of the distillery’s bold core range refresh in 2024, this 700ml single malt offers a “Caribbean wink” to the traditional Scottish landscape. The spirit begins its journey in ex-bourbon casks before being transferred into ex-rum casks for a finishing period that injects a vibrant, caramelized energy into Speyburn’s signature bright profile.

Bottled at 40% ABV, this expression is designed for pure enjoyment and accessibility. The rum wood doesn’t just add sweetness; it acts as a catalyst for the distillery’s natural fruit esters, elevating them into a lush, sun-drenched experience. It is a “no-challenge” dram—perfect for those who want a high-quality Speyside malt that trades heavy oak tannins for an effervescent, fruity charm.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Bright, festive, and incredibly aromatic. You are greeted by a “Pina Colada” bouquet of caramelized banana and pineapple cubes, followed by a crisp lift of green apples and citrus zest. As it opens, a drizzle of liquid caramel and honey emerges, creating a nose that smells like an Austrian Christmas dessert served on a tropical beach.

Palate: The mouthfeel is surprisingly viscous and “buttery” for its proof. It opens with a decadent layer of shortcrust pastry and tinned peaches, which quickly gives way to a mid-palate of creamy coconut and soft toffee. The rum influence provides a gentle warmth of sweet vanilla and delicate cinnamon, ensuring a smooth, effortless transition from fruit to spice.

Finish: Short to medium and very clean. The finish lingers with soft oak and brown sugar, finally tapering off with a final, refreshing trail of tropical fruit salad and a hint of ginger.

The Distillery

Speyburn, founded in 1897 by John Hopkins, is tucked away in a leafy glen near Rothes. A unique factual detail: The distillery was famously built in a frantic rush during a blizzard to ensure the first barrel was filled in 1897, marking Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. To this day, it is the only distillery to use the crystal-clear waters of the Granty Burn, a tributary of the Spey known for its mineral purity. Speyburn is also a living museum of whisky history, housing the world’s first pneumatic drum maltings, designed by the legendary Charles Doig. This heritage of “doing things differently” is perfectly captured in the Rum Cask Finish—a modern twist from one of Speyside’s most traditional sites.

Overall Review

The Speyburn Rum Cask Finish is globally reviewed as a “superior budget level malt,” praised for its incredible value and easy-drinking nature. Critics have lauded its “bright, syrupy fruitiness,” marking it as a mandatory purchase for those who want a high quality daily sipper or a sophisticated base for a highball cocktail.