Out tasting notes
81. Speyburn Clan Germany Tasting
Speyburn Bordeaux Red Wine Cask 40% (Whiskybase ID: 268701)
Nose: Dry wood, a tart edge like freshly cut pear, with a hint of grappa. After standing for a while, it opens up: restrained fruit, fermented pear, black tea, and a subtle, slightly cheesy undertone. Overall, the nose seems a little cheap and inconsistent; it benefits from time in the glass, then it wins.
Mouth: Very soft on the tongue, with an initial sweetness that is quickly overlaid by tart and artificial cherry notes. The structure and choice of cask seem inconsistent; elements stand side by side rather than together. With water, the sweetness diminishes and the bitterness comes to the fore, remaining disharmonious. More suited to cocktails than pure enjoyment.
Comments: Unfortunately, only good for a cocktail!
Speyburn Jerez Sherry Cask 40% (Whiskybase ID: 268700)
Nose: Similar to Bordeaux cask: wood and sour notes dominate, accompanied by herbal, slightly perfumed tones. No classic opulent sherry influence, more of a hint that never really takes root. The similarity to Bordeaux finish is striking, with only nuances distinguishing them.
Mouth: Flat and mild; pepper and musty wood form the main axes. The body remains restrained, water does not add depth, but rather magnifies the existing weaknesses. Not a good sherry appearance, but a strongly muted variant.
Comments: Why are these types of sherry mixed together? Also only suitable for a cocktail!
Speyburn Kentucky Bourbon Cask (Whiskybase ID: 268702)
Nose: Solvent first, then fruity, sour notes — green apple shimmers through. Vanilla and fresh wood are present; the bourbon character comes through.
Mouth: Vanilla and wood dominate, pepper adds bite, honey and cotton candy provide a sweet layer. Green apple brings freshness. Overall, more “pressure” than the previous casks, but at its core a fairly typical bourbon finish: friendly, not very complex, usable, especially if you like your distillate uncomplicated.
Comments: The most “tolerable” of the new Travel Exclusive series... It's a real shame that this path was taken, but currently the industry seems to be focusing more on the “highballers.”
Speyburn Cask Sample 47yo ~52.5% 1978-2025
Nose: Oak and sherry in perfect balance. Reminiscent of Black Forest cake: dark cherries, a hint of chocolate, cream; fine tannins hold it all together. Maturity you can smell, not pompous richness, but mature elegance.
Mouth: Pepper and sherry open, followed by oak and concentrated black cherries. Dry, spicy, with reduced fruit sweetness. Almost perfect with water. A venerable whiskey that carries its age and origin with dignity.
Comments: When you let the wonderful people at the Speyburn Distillery do their jobs... yes... this is the kind of masterpiece that comes out.