Glen Keith 23 Years Old 1995 Victorian Sweetie Shop (Wemyss)

The bottler Wemyss Malts bottled this Glen Keith, a 23 year old, distilled in 1995, bottled at 46%, one of 310 bottles. Glen Keith is a clean, fruity Speyside malt from the town of Keith in Moray. Its make went largely into the Chivas Regal, Passport and 100 Pipers blends.

Made on Balloch Hill water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, for a clean make of orchard fruit and a soft honey. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a light vanilla and a soft honey. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, tropical fruit. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple deepening to honey and tropical fruit. It sits within sight of Strathisla, the oldest distillery in Scotland. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the light Speyside spirit. Built for the blender's art, the spirit ages with grace as a single malt. Much of the Glen Keith make went to the blenders, a little kept as single malt.

At 46% it is smooth and fruity. A fresh, fruity sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked apple and a gentle spice lift it. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.