Blended Malt Whiskey BURNSIDE 28 Years 1994-2022 Selection XXXI by GUS'T 50.9° 70 cl

Description

BURNSIDE 28 Year Old 1994–2022 is a mature Scottish Speyside blended malt selected by independent bottler Le Gus’t. Distilled on 19 October 1994 and bottled on 17 December 2022, it spent 28 years maturing in cask No. 5134. The 70 cl release is bottled at 50.9% ABV and yielded just 246 bottles, making it an appealing option for enthusiasts interested in limited independent bottlings and carefully selected casks.

The term “blended malt” refers to a whisky made from a combination of malt whiskies, without grain whisky. Burnside is a name used for certain independently bottled Speyside whiskies. Le Gus’t’s selection highlights the character of a specific cask and the influence of extended maturation. Over 28 years, the spirit has had time to develop a more layered aromatic profile, bringing together fruit, malt, sweetness, spice and wood-derived nuances. The exact balance of these elements can vary with serving conditions and individual perception, making a slow tasting particularly rewarding.

The available tasting notes suggest a rounded, fruit-led nose with citrus and plum, alongside aromas of ripe fruit, malt and honey. Hints of nuts, wood and spice add complexity. On the palate, the fruit character continues, with plum and citrus supported by honeyed sweetness, vanilla and malt. Subtle woody notes contribute structure, while the spices help carry the flavours towards a lingering finish. The overall impression is one of mature fruit and gentle sweetness balanced by malt, wood and spice, rather than a single dominant flavour.

At 50.9% ABV, this whisky has a pronounced strength and is best approached at a relaxed pace. Pour a small measure into a tulip-shaped whisky glass and allow it to rest briefly before tasting. Begin neat to understand its original structure, then consider adding a few drops of water. Small adjustments can soften the alcoholic impression and reveal different aromatic details. Add water gradually, tasting after each addition, so that the whisky retains its balance. Serving it at room temperature rather than chilled also helps preserve the expression of its aromas.

This Burnside is well suited to a focused after-dinner tasting or to a comparison with other mature Speyside whiskies. It can be enjoyed on its own, allowing the fruit, malt and spice notes to develop over time. If you prefer an accompaniment, walnuts, dried fruit or a dark chocolate with moderate bitterness can complement the whisky’s sweeter and nuttier dimensions. These are suggested pairings rather than fixed rules; choose foods that support the whisky without overwhelming its more delicate flavours.

The combination of a 1994 distillation date, bottling in 2022, a stated age of 28 years and a clearly identified cask makes this release particularly interesting to collectors. With only 246 bottles drawn from cask No. 5134, it represents a limited expression rather than a mass-produced whisky. The high-strength bottling also gives enthusiasts the opportunity to explore how the aromas develop with careful dilution.

BURNSIDE 28 Year Old by Le Gus’t offers a distinctive way to discover mature Speyside whisky through an independent bottling. Its combination of citrus, plum, ripe fruit, honey, nuts, vanilla and spice provides several layers to explore, while its long maturation gives the release a clear sense of identity. Whether enjoyed neat, opened with a little water or tasted alongside carefully chosen accompaniments, it rewards patience and attention.