Dining

Speyburn introduces new whiskies: Bourbon Cask and Rum Cask Finish – and both are brilliant whisky buys

Speyburn Bourbon Cask whisky being poured at London launch

It’s all change at Speyburn, as the 126-year-old distillery rolls out two new whiskies, Bourbon Cask and Rum Cask Finish, and adopts a refreshed look, with updated design and packaging.

The two new expressions join a repackaged flagship Speyburn 10 Years Old (ABV 40%) in its core range.

The brand refresh will reach Speyburn’s higher aged expressions of 15 Years Old and 18 Years Old later this year.  

Euan Henderson, Distillery Manager, says: “At Speyburn, we have always prioritised simplicity, quality and good value. For over 126 years, we’ve crafted whisky with nothing but enjoyment in mind and I’m proud to say that the same is true of our new range. 

“Not only do these new whiskies offer something for existing Speyburn fans to enjoy but will also appeal to a new wave of Speyburn drinkers. Speyburn Rum Cask Finish in particular is different to anything we’ve ever done before.” 

I tried both new expressions at their London launch, and rate both as brilliant buys…

“Speyburn Rum Cask Finish in particular is different to anything we’ve ever done before…”

Speyburn Bourbon Cask whisky and Rum Cask Finish whisky tasting notes

Eminently affordable, Speyburn Bourbon Cask is sure to expand the brand’s fanbase. Bottled at 40 per cent ABV and golden amber in colour, it offers crisp green apples, citrus and honey on the nose. Sipping adds notes of vanilla and brown sugar, along with gentle spice, before a long, smooth finish.  The recipe may be familiar but the result is still irresistible.

For its Rum Cask Finish expression, Speyburn has matured its whisky in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in rum casks, and this has introduced notes of tropical fruits, fresh coconut and spiced vanilla on the nose. On the palate there’s croissants and peach jam, caramel and cinnamon. 

I suspect Speyburn fans will love the extra complexity that final rum kiss adds; I rate it a delicious daily dram. The pale golden liquid is bottled at 40 % ABV.

Both new expressions lend them themselves perfectly to summer whisky cocktails. Speyburn Honey & Ginger is a Whisky Ginger (45ml Speyburn Bourbon Cask topped with Ginger Ale), elevated with 15ml honey syrup and a lime wedge for garnish.

If you’re feeling a little more tropical, try a Speyburn Mango Fizz: 45ml Speyburn Rum Cask, 75ml Mango Juice topped with Soda and a lime wedge garnish.

Speyburn Bourbon Cask sells for £25, Speyburn Rum Cask Finish is £32 and Speyburn 10 Years’ Old  £35. They’re all available from Amazon.  

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK