Speyside Beinn Dubh Thunder in the Glens

An official single malt from the Speyside Distillery and bottled at 43%. The outturn was 10000 bottles. The Speyside Distillery was slowly converted from an old mill by one stonemason close to the very source of the River Spey; it is one of the smallest and most picturesque distilleries in Scotland. Water comes from the River Tromie, drawn through the old mill lade that once turned the waterwheel.

The spirit was made in small stills after a long, ester building fermentation, for a soft, fruity make from short stills. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. No age is given, but the fresh fruit marks it as classic Speyside Distillery make. Sherry and Port wood suit the make well, lending dried and red fruit. Beinn Dubh is darkened to an inky black, a rich style in the mould of the old Cu Dhubh.

At 43% it is soft, honeyed and fragrant. Dark and rich, treacle, espresso and black fruit lead over a sweet malt. The texture is rich and syrupy, espresso and dark fruit to the fore. Honey and orchard fruit see out a long finish. This is Beinn Dubh, the famous black malt from near Kingussie.