This lovely sherried Speyburn is rather exotic and wild. Speyburn Distillery was founded in 1897 by John Hopkins in the Speyside village of Rothes, drawing its water from the nearby Granty Burn. The distillery is famously associated with Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, as Hopkins insisted on producing the first spirit before the end of that celebratory year, even as construction continued through a harsh Highland winter. Designed by Charles Doig, Speyburn quickly established itself as a reliable producer of clean, approachable Speyside malt. Ownership changed hands several times in the 20th century, including periods under Distillers Company Limited, and like many distilleries it experienced temporary closures during economic downturns and wartime. Today Speyburn operates under Inver House Distillers, producing single malt Scotch that balances traditional character with modern efficiency, while remaining rooted in its original late Victorian setting. This single sheery butt was aged for 16 years and bottled without chill-filtration or coloring at a natural cask strength of 58.3%. Expect a huge fruity nose offering of raspberry, plums and wild honey. On the palate plenty more fruit with soft milk chocolate and a long sweet herbal finish.