Glen Keith 42 Years Old 1973 (Single Cask)

A Glen Keith of a 42 year old chosen by the Campbeltown house Cadenhead, distilled in 1973, bottled at 45.8%, one of 180 bottles. Glen Keith is a clean, fruity Speyside malt from the town of Keith in Moray. It was the first new distillery to open in Speyside since the great whisky crash of 1898.

Made on Balloch Hill water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, giving a clean, sweet Speyside spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the light fruit lead. In its ethereal years the malt is waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, dried fig). Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards tropical fruit, honey and a soft spice. The light, fruity spirit shows the cask clearly, vanilla and fruit to the fore. Maturation in the racked warehouses at Keith is slow and steady. Its tall, narrowing stills give a light, fruity Speyside spirit.

At 45.8%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Baked apple, citrus and a creamy vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run green apple, pear and a soft vanilla. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is Glen Keith's clean, fruity Speyside style.