Glen Spey 13 Years Old 2010 (SMWS 80.53)

A Glen Spey of a 13 year old chosen by Scotch Malt Whisky Society, distilled in 2010, from cask 80.53, at 58.1%, one of 264 bottles. Glen Spey is a Speyside single malt, owned by the London gin house Gilbey from 1887. James Stuart held the licence to Macallan at the time, and bought that distillery outright in 1886. Its stills were doubled from two to four in the 1970 expansion, the make still light and grassy. Most of its spirit goes to blends; single malt Glen Spey is rare, and largely the work of independents.

Distilled in tall onion shaped stills, for a fine, clean malt the blenders have long prized. 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. The lantern stills set a light, fresh tone that the oak then slowly deepens.

At a natural 58.1% it is full and nutty. A light meadow grass and orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Pear, hay and a creamy vanilla fill the middle. A fresh finish closes on a nutty malt and a soft oak. This is a fresh, fragrant Speyside single malt.