Speyburn Companion Cask

I acquired this some time ago when local shops were out of Speyburn 10 and not getting more. It's been a while since I last tried Speyburn 10, but for $30, you get an affordable Scotch with an age statement that, while not very complex in my recollection, was quite pleasant to drink. My memory suggests notes of honey, pear, and vanilla, which is perfectly acceptable for the price. It's a great 'wind-down' Scotch. Beyond being low proof and inexpensive, it's ideal for a dram after your primary drinks when your palate might be tired. The Companion Cask lacks an age statement but cost $5 more than the 10 year, presumably because it's a single barrel selection (it had a label indicating it was a store exclusive with a barrel number). The nose is sharp and clear, like a ripe pear with some firmness. It doesn't seem drastically different from Speyburn 10, based on memory. The palate is where the difference lies. It's still quite similar, with pear, honey, and vanilla, but I notice an astringency here that I don't recall from the 10 year. Perhaps the age statement smooths it out, or this one is over-oaked. Regardless, my initial two tastings a few weeks ago were so harsh that I put the bottle away for three weeks with about a quarter bottle's worth of air, and while the astringency isn't as bad tonight, it's still noticeable. It seems to be mellowing and now tastes of oak astringency, suggesting something might have been off with the barrel it matured in, as others have enjoyed it more. At $40, it's not bad, but I wouldn't buy it again. I hope the local stores restock Speyburn 10 eventually, as I'd be interested in trying it again. It's been about four years, and my palate has likely changed, making it an interesting comparison. It could be like revisiting a childhood movie or book that seemed magical, only to find it disappointing as an adult, making you regret the re-experience spoiling the memory. Oh well. We'll see.

From a Virginia ABC Single Barrel Store Pick. 46% ABV. Non-Chill Filtered. No added color. Finished in 1st fill Buffalo Trace Bourbon Casks. Color: Light Straw Nose: Stone fruit, apple, mild alcohol, vanilla, a subtle smokiness but no peat. Palate: Very viscous in the glass. Oily, creamy mouthfeel. Quite buttery on the lips. Flavors of light fruit and apple jelly. Finish: Long, spicy finish with baking spices, particularly allspice notes. Bright, freshly cracked black and white peppercorns. A great lingering aftertaste. This particular bottle is harder to find outside Virginia, but Speyburn is expected to distribute these picks nationally through various state-run stores. It's very light and flavorful for those who prefer Scotch without smoke or peat. The bourbon influence is prominent in this NAS bottling. My first taste was over a year ago at breakfast during a coastal fishing trip. It's so fruity and easy to drink that it's hard to resist at $40. I haven't tried the standard 10 year, so I can't compare, but this is excellent.

I had been anticipating for several months for my neighborhood liquor shop to receive this as one of their special selections. It arrived about a week ago, and I've been quite pleased. The aroma presents some light fruity/floral notes. The palate is very smooth with summer fruits, some honey/toffee, and cream, which coats the tongue and offers a pleasant mouthfeel and tongue tingle. For a non-age-statement scotch, the finish is better than one might expect. It persists for a while then fades with notes of honey, lemon sherbet, spices, and malted cookies. It can handle a little water, but I truly enjoy the tongue tingle, so I've been drinking it neat. At $36 this offers exceptional value, and I will certainly buy another bottle. A great summer scotch.

Pleasantly malty. I detect significant malty shortbread flavor, some subtle bourbon notes from the cask, and a hint of coconut. Possibly a touch of caramel. It has a medium-long finish with prominent cereal grain flavors and that hint of coconut. It's not an exceptionally complex spirit, but the grain flavors are crisp, fresh, and very well-balanced.

Chosen by Heritage in Denver. Shared opinions with others, similar to a non-peated single malt. Pale in color and smells sweet. Starts with pear and white grape, ending with a rye spice kick... however, there's no dill or saltiness. Tasty and smooth but not the most intricate spirit available.

Acquired this on clearance (half price) because I truly enjoy Speyburn 10. I'm pleased I didn't spend full price. This possesses the smoothness of the 10 year, but with a bit more alcohol warmth (46% versus 40%). A pleasant enough dram, but not a substitute for the 10 year.