Glen Spey 21 Years Old

A 21 year old Glen Spey, a distillery bottling, from 1989, at 50.4%, 5844 bottles in all. Glen Spey is a Speyside single malt made on Doonie Burn water at Rothes. It passed to the London gin house W and A Gilbey in 1887, the first English firm to own a Scottish distillery. Most of its spirit goes to blends; single malt Glen Spey is rare, and largely the work of independents.

Taken gently through wash and spirit 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. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the green grass turning to a nutty honey and soft tropical fruit. A light oiliness carries a waxy thread through the long, slow maturation. Built for the blender's art, the light make ages with quiet grace as a single malt. Long ageing turns the green, herbal edge towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice.

At 50.4%, undiluted, it is deep and waxy. A delicate, fruity malt with a waxy edge, over a gentle, creamy oak. A green apple and a gentle spice lift the middle. A long, grassy finish carries a light fruit and a nutty malt. This is a fresh, fragrant Speyside single malt.