Glen Keith 24 Years Old 1997 Cask #72598 & 72599 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Glen Keith, a 24 year old, distilled in 1997, from cask 72598 & 72599, bottled at 51.7%, one of 518 bottles. Glen Keith is a Speyside single malt known for a light, sweet, fruity character. It was mothballed in 1999 and revived by Pernod Ricard in 2013 after a full refit.

It was made on Balloch Hill water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, for a clean make of orchard fruit and a soft honey. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, tropical fruit. Much of the Glen Keith make went to the blenders, a little kept as single malt. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple deepening to honey and tropical fruit. Balloch Hill water and the tall stills give the light Glen Keith make.

At cask strength 51.7% it is full bodied. A light, orchard fruit and citrus, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is fresh and fruity, the light spirit shining through. A fresh finish ends on apple and a soft oak. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.