Glen Spey 19 Years Old 1995 (Small Batch)

This Glen Spey was bottled by Cadenhead, a 19 year old, distilled in 1995, at 58.5%, one of 480 bottles. Glen Spey is a Speyside single malt, owned by the London gin house Gilbey from 1887. Most of its spirit goes to blends; single malt Glen Spey is rare, and largely the work of independents.

Drawn off after a ferment of two to three days, shaping a light body with a soft, waxy edge. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and a hint of coconut from the lactones. Into oxidative maturity, slow air builds fruity esters of apple and a light tropical note over a nutty depth. Because the purifiers keep the spirit light, the cask shows clearly through the years. Maturation in the racked warehouses is slow and even, the Speyside air cool and steady. 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.

Bottled at a cask strength 58.5%, it is concentrated. A delicate, fruity malt with a waxy edge, lifted by a soft oak. A green apple and a gentle spice lift the middle. Green apple, grass and a soft oak see it out. This is a light, nutty Speyside single malt.