Glen Keith 24 Years Old 1993 Savannah Series (Antique Lions of Spirits)

From the bottler Antique Lions of Spirits, a 24 year old Glen Keith, distilled in 1993, bottled at 47.3%, one of 297 bottles. Glen Keith is a Speyside single malt made behind Strathisla, mostly for the Chivas blends. Its make went largely into the Chivas Regal, Passport and 100 Pipers blends.

Drawn off the stills for a clean, fruity Speyside spirit, giving a clean, sweet Speyside spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the light fruit lead. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, tropical fruit. The tall, narrowing stills give a light spirit that takes the cask well. It was mothballed in 1999 and revived by Pernod Ricard in 2013 after a full refit. It was the first new distillery to open in Speyside since the great whisky crash of 1898. Much of the Glen Keith make went to the blenders, a little kept as single malt.

At a natural 47.3% it is full and fruity. Apple, pear and a soft vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked apple and a gentle spice lift it. The finish runs light, fruity and clean. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.