Glen Spey 15 Years Old 2008 Cask #800062 (Alistair Walker Whisky Company)

A 15 year old Glen Spey from the Alistair Walker Whisky Company, distilled in 2008, from cask 800062, at 54.8%, one of 308 bottles. Glen Spey is a Speyside single malt, owned by the London gin house Gilbey from 1887. It sits below the ruins of Castle Rothes, once the seat of the Earls of Rothes. 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.

It was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, giving the clean, nutty Speyside spirit Glen Spey is known for. A Port cask held it, drawing the light spirit deeper over the years. Into oxidative maturity, slow air builds fruity esters of apple and a light tropical note over a nutty depth. Long ageing turns the green, herbal edge towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice.

At 54.8%, undiluted, it is deep and waxy. Fresh grass, pear and a creamy almond, with red berry, plum and a dry spice from the cask. It is grassy and gently nutty, the delicate spirit shining through. Green apple, grass and a soft oak see it out. This is a grassy Speyside malt of real delicacy.