Glen Spey 14 Years Old 2000 Cask #262 (BB&R)

This Glen Spey comes from Berry Bros and Rudd, the London house at No.3 St James's Street, wine and spirit merchants since 1698, a 14 year old, distilled in 2000, from cask 262, at 46%. Glen Spey is a Speyside single malt made on Doonie Burn water at Rothes. Under Gilbey it took the Glen Spey name and supplied the house Spey Royal blend.

Distilled in tall onion shaped stills, for a delicate make of fresh grass and orchard fruit. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the malt. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the grassy spirit growing rounder and a touch waxy. Because the purifiers keep the spirit light, the cask shows clearly through the years. Long ageing turns the green, herbal edge towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice. Maturation in the racked warehouses is slow and even, the Speyside air cool and steady.

At an approachable 46% it is fresh and clean. Fresh cut grass, green apple and a nutty malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run fresh grass, light fruit and a nutty malt. Green apple, grass and a soft oak see it out. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.