Glenburgie Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glenburgie single malt Scotch whisky is a Speyside distillery prized by blenders for its full-bodied, fruit-forward spirit and increasingly appreciated by single malt enthusiasts for its distinctive character. Founded in 1810 as Kilnflat Distillery, it operated under that name until 1878, when it was rebuilt and renamed Glenburgie. Situated near Forres in Moray, the distillery has long been a quiet workhorse of the Scotch whisky industry, producing spirit primarily for blends such as Ballantine’s, Old Smuggler, and Campbeltown Loch.

In the 1950s, Glenburgie became one of the first distilleries to experiment with Lomond stills, an innovation designed to produce a heavier, oilier spirit with greater control over flavour. These stills were used to make a separate malt called Glencraig, now a rare and collectible name in whisky circles. By the early 1980s, the Lomond stills were removed, and Glenburgie returned to traditional pot still distillation, but the period remains an intriguing chapter in its history.

The distillery’s current setup includes large, onion-shaped copper pot stills that produce a weighty, robust spirit with a naturally sweet and fruity profile. Long fermentation in stainless steel washbacks allows the development of rich esters, contributing to Glenburgie’s signature notes of apple, pear, and tropical fruit. The water comes from local springs in the nearby hills, prized for its purity.

Although official bottlings from Glenburgie are relatively limited, the distillery has released a small number of age-statement single malts under its own name, often through Chivas Brothers’ Ballantine’s-branded series. The Glenburgie 15 Year Old, for example, is a smooth, fruity Speyside dram with notes of orchard fruit, honey, malt, and soft spice, showcasing the distillery’s approachable yet complex style.

Independent bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory Vintage, and Cadenhead’s have played a crucial role in bringing Glenburgie to single malt drinkers. These releases span a wide range of ages and cask types, from fresh bourbon casks highlighting the distillery’s clean, fruity spirit to sherry-matured expressions that add depth, richness, and darker flavours. Well-aged Glenburgies, particularly those 20 years and older, can develop luxurious tropical fruit notes reminiscent of pineapple, mango, and papaya, balanced by honey and gentle oak.

The core style of Glenburgie is typically medium- to full-bodied, with aromas of ripe apple, pear, and soft malt sweetness. The palate often delivers layers of fruit, vanilla, and light cereal notes, with a creamy texture and a finish that balances gentle spice with lingering fruit. This combination of body and freshness makes it a key “backbone” malt in blends and an enjoyable dram in its own right.

Our Glenburgie Single Malt Scotch Whisky range includes the rare official 15 Year Old, independent single cask bottlings, and well-aged expressions that reveal the distillery’s remarkable tropical fruit potential. Whether you’re seeking a robust Speyside malt to enjoy neat, a collectible older vintage, or a bottle that shows the character behind one of Scotland’s great blends, Glenburgie offers a rewarding and often underrated whisky experience.