Glen Keith 19 Years Old 1997 Cask #72577 + 72578 (Signatory)

A Glen Keith of a 19 year old chosen by the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, distilled in 1997, from cask 72577 + 72578, bottled at 46%. Glen Keith is a light, fruity Speyside malt, built in 1957 as Seagram's experimental distillery. It was the first distillery in Scotland to use gas fired direct heating.

It was made on Balloch Hill water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, for the light, fruity make Glen Keith is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the light fruit lead. At oxidative maturity vanillin and lactones are fully expressed, the light fruit deepening to honey. Balloch Hill water and the tall stills give the light Glen Keith make. It sits within sight of Strathisla, the oldest distillery in Scotland. Its water is drawn from the Balloch Hill spring above Keith. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple deepening to honey and tropical fruit.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. Baked apple, citrus and a creamy vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Pear, citrus and a creamy vanilla fill the middle. Apple, pear and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.