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Everything you need to know about Speyburn Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Speyburn 14 Year Old Speyside Malt Whisky Single Cask 263£99.99 Inc VAT -
Speyburn 12 Year Old Malt Whisky Flora & Fauna Wooden Box£2,799.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Speyburn, Speyside Region, Scotland. Founded in 1897.
Speyburn Distillery sits just outside the town of Rothes in Speyside, one of the busiest whisky-producing areas in Scotland. It was founded in 1897 by John Hopkins, a whisky blender who wanted to create a distillery in the heart of the region.
There’s a well-known story behind its opening. Construction wasn’t fully finished by the end of 1897, but Hopkins was determined to produce whisky before the year ended. So, the first spirit was distilled in a still house that still had no proper roof — not exactly ideal conditions, but it got the job done.
The distillery takes its name from the Spey Burn, a nearby water source that runs through the site. That water plays a key role in production, and the distillery’s location — surrounded by hills and woodland — gives it a quiet, tucked-away feel despite being in such a busy whisky region.
Today, Speyburn is known for producing approachable Speyside single malt whisky that focuses on balance and easy drinkability.
Taste Profile
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 |
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| Malty / Cereal | Fruity | Sweet |
Speyburn whiskies are typically light and fresh. You’ll often find orchard fruit notes like apple and pear, combined with honey sweetness and a gentle malt character.
The whisky tends to be smooth and easy-going, with soft vanilla from oak and a clean finish. It’s not a heavy or intense style — more about balance and approachability.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Apple / Pear |
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Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
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Honey |
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Vanilla |
Most Popular Bottles
Speyburn 10 Year Old
The core expression and a good introduction to the distillery’s style.
Speyburn Bradan Orach
A slightly sweeter, easy-drinking whisky aimed at casual drinkers.
Speyburn 15 Year Old
A more mature expression with added depth and oak influence.
These releases form the main Speyburn range.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Speyburn Distillery
Address: North St, Rothes, Aberlour AB38 7AG
 Open in Maps |
 www.speyburn.com |
 +44 (0)1340 831 000 |
Visitor Centre & Opening Times
Speyburn is not widely open to the public, and regular tours are limited or not commonly available.
Ownership History
Founder
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John Hopkins (1897)
Current Owner
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Inver House Distillers (part of International Beverage Holdings)
The distillery remains part of a group that operates several Scottish distilleries.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Speyburn Distillery is located near Rothes in Speyside, close to the River Spey. It was founded in 1897 by John Hopkins & Company.
The distillery is known for its unusual opening story — it was rushed into operation to ensure production began in Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee year, even though the buildings were not fully completed.
Today, Speyburn is owned by Inver House Distillers and remains a relatively understated but consistent Speyside producer.
Production
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Spirit Type: Single malt Scotch whisky
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Region: Speyside
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Stills: Two copper pot stills
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Water Source: Granty Burn
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Cask Policy: Primarily ex-bourbon casks with some sherry influence
Speyburn operates on a moderate scale and focuses on producing a clean, approachable Speyside spirit.
Whisky Style
Speyburn whisky typically shows:
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Light to medium body
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Fresh citrus notes
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Green apple and pear
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Honey and vanilla sweetness
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Crisp, clean finish
The profile is bright and slightly more citrus-forward than many richer Speyside malts.
Key Expressions
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Speyburn 10 Year Old – Core and most widely available expression
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Speyburn Bradan Orach – Entry-level release
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Speyburn 15 Year Old – More developed and balanced
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Speyburn 18 Year Old – Richer and more complex
The 10 Year Old is often considered a classic example of a light Speyside style.
Significance
Speyburn is known for producing a consistent, accessible Speyside single malt without heavy marketing or premium positioning.
It represents a more traditional, value-driven side of Speyside whisky, offering a clear example of the region’s lighter, fruit-forward style.
Speyburn Whisky to Buy
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