Glen Spey 11 Years Old 1995 Cask #422 (A.D. Rattray)

A Glen Spey of an 11 year old chosen by A.D. Rattray, distilled in 1995, from cask 422, at 59%, one of 287 bottles. Glen Spey is a Speyside single malt, most of it long destined for the blender's vat. When the firm merged with Justerini and Brooks, Glen Spey became a key malt in the J and B blend. It passed to the London gin house W and A Gilbey in 1887, the first English firm to own a Scottish distillery. It sits below the ruins of Castle Rothes, once the seat of the Earls of Rothes.

The spirit was distilled in tall onion shaped stills, giving the clean, nutty Speyside spirit Glen Spey is known for. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the light, nutty character to the fore. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the hay softening towards a nutty honey. Because the purifiers keep the spirit light, the cask shows clearly through the years.

At 59%, undiluted, it is deep and waxy. Fresh grass, pear and a creamy almond, with a light oak sweetness. It is grassy and gently nutty, the delicate spirit shining through. It finishes light, fresh and faintly nutty. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.