Glen Spey 22 Years Old 1995 (Small Batch)

This Glen Spey comes from Cadenhead, Scotland's oldest independent bottler, founded in Aberdeen in 1842 and now keeping house in Campbeltown, a 22 year old, distilled in 1995, at 57.9%, one of 438 bottles. Glen Spey is a Speyside single malt from Rothes, founded in 1878 as the Mill of Rothes. Most of its spirit goes to blends; single malt Glen Spey is rare, and largely the work of independents. When the firm merged with Justerini and Brooks, Glen Spey became a key malt in the J and B blend.

Worked unhurried through the stillhouse, building a light, fragrant spirit with a thread of nuttiness. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a light vanilla and a touch of honey. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer, tropical fruit over beeswax. Maturation in the racked warehouses is slow and even, the Speyside air cool and steady.

At its natural 57.9% it is rich and grassy. Fresh cut grass, green apple and a nutty malt, over a gentle, creamy oak. Pear, hay and a creamy vanilla fill the middle. The finish is light, grassy and clean. This is Glen Spey's clean, nutty Speyside character.