Glen Keith 21 Years Old 1995 Cask #171273 (BB&R)

A Glen Keith of a 21 year old chosen by the London house Berry Bros and Rudd, distilled in 1995, from cask 171273, bottled at 49.8%. Glen Keith is a Speyside single malt known for a light, sweet, fruity character. It was built in 1957 by Seagram on the site of a meal mill, directly behind Strathisla.

It was run through the tall stills on Balloch Hill water for a light make, giving a clean, sweet Speyside spirit. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut from the lactones. At oxidative maturity vanillin and lactones are fully expressed, the light fruit deepening to honey. A gentle maturation suits the light make, the orchard fruit growing richer with time. It was the first distillery in Scotland to use gas fired direct heating. Its make went largely into the Chivas Regal, Passport and 100 Pipers blends. Balloch Hill water and the tall stills give the light Glen Keith make.

At a hearty 49.8% it carries real weight. Green apple, pear and a soft malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked apple and a gentle spice lift it. Apple, pear and a soft oak see out the finish. This is Glen Keith's clean, fruity Speyside style.