Glen Keith 21 Years Old 1998 Cask #56477 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A Glen Keith of a 21 year old chosen by the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, distilled in 1998, from cask 56477, bottled at 56.9%, one of 212 bottles. Glen Keith is a light, fruity Speyside malt, built in 1957 as Seagram's experimental distillery. It was built in 1957 by Seagram on the site of a meal mill, directly behind Strathisla.

It was drawn off the stills for a clean, fruity Speyside spirit, building a light, fruity character of green apple and pear. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, the apple turning honeyed and a soft tropical fruit creeping in. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation in the Glen Keith warehouses. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards tropical fruit, honey and a soft spice. Refill oak lets the light, fruity Glen Keith character lead the way.

Bottled at a cask strength 56.9%, it is rich. Green apple, honey and a soft malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a clean body. The finish is long, fruity and clean. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.