Glen Spey 26 Years Old 1997 Under Water Car (The Whisky Agency)

A 26 year old Glen Spey from the Whisky Agency, distilled in 1997, at 49.8%. Glen Spey is a Speyside single malt, most of it long destined for the blender's vat. It was founded in 1878 by the grain merchant James Stuart, who added stills to an old oatmeal mill. Its stills were doubled from two to four in the 1970 expansion, the make still light and grassy.

Taken gently through wash and spirit stills, giving the clean, nutty Speyside spirit Glen Spey is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the spirit lead. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer, tropical fruit over beeswax. Maturation in the racked warehouses is slow and even, the Speyside air cool and steady. The lantern stills set a light, fresh tone that the oak then slowly deepens. Because the purifiers keep the spirit light, the cask shows clearly through the years.

At a natural 49.8% it is full and nutty. A light meadow grass and orchard fruit, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is light, a faint waxiness carrying the fruit. A long, grassy finish carries a light fruit and a nutty malt. This is a fresh, fragrant Speyside single malt.