Glen Keith 9 Years Old 2013 Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited (Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers)

This Glen Keith was bottled by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, a 9 year old, distilled in 2013, bottled at 47.5%, one of 1410 bottles. Glen Keith is a modern Speyside malt on Balloch Hill water, built in the 1950s. It was Seagram's experimental plant, and still houses the Chivas Brothers lab.

Made on Balloch Hill water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, building the fresh Glen Keith style. Maturation came in a Pedro Ximenez cask, layered over the light Glen Keith make. Young and extractive, the cask sheds vanillin (vanilla) and toasted sugars (light caramel) over the clean, fruity spirit. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple deepening to honey and tropical fruit. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation in the Glen Keith warehouses. It was the first distillery in Scotland to use gas fired direct heating. Refill oak lets the light, fruity Glen Keith character lead the way.

At its natural 47.5% it is concentrated. A light, orchard fruit and citrus, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and a clean malt sit behind the cask. It finishes light, fresh and fruity. This is Glen Keith, Seagram's experimental Speyside malt.