Glen Spey 11 Years Old 2010 Cask #803006 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

The Vintage Malt Whisky Company bottled this Glen Spey, an 11 year old, distilled in 2010, from cask 803006, at 55%, one of 354 bottles. Glen Spey is a light, fragrant Speyside malt of fresh grass and a nutty malt. It was bottled as a single malt in Diageo's Flora and Fauna range in 2001, one of its rare official outings. Its stills carry purifiers, which raise the reflux and return the heavier vapours for a lighter, cleaner spirit.

Drawn off after a ferment of two to three days, shaping a light body with a soft, waxy edge. 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. Long ageing turns the green, herbal edge towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the delicate Speyside spirit.

At its natural 55% it is rich and grassy. Fresh cut grass, green apple and a nutty malt, over a gentle, creamy oak. Soft meadow grass and a nutty malt sit behind the cask. Green apple, grass and a soft oak see it out. This is a grassy Speyside malt of real delicacy.