Speyside Distillery 1998 TWCe (The Whisky Cellar)

The Whisky Cellar selected this Speyside Distillery single malt, a 22 year old Speyside malt from 1998, drawn from cask 1283 and bottled at 52.8%. A release of 103 bottles. The Speyside Distillery was raised single handed by a drystone mason over some twenty years on a former mill site by the River Tromie; it was the dream of the whisky merchant George Christie. Short stills and a slow distillation are coaxed by hand towards a light, fruity spirit.

It was drawn off short stills coaxed by hand towards a delicate make, for a clean, honeyed spirit of real finesse. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Past sixteen years the spirit turns rich and honeyed while keeping its finesse. A small, hands on operation keeps the spirit close to its maker's intent. It is the most southerly Speyside distillery, nearest of all to the source of the Spey.

Bottled at a cask strength 52.8%, it is rich. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with apple, pear and heather honey. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. Honey and orchard fruit see out a long finish. This is a fruity malt from one of Scotland's smallest distilleries.