Glen Spey 27 Years Old 1988 Spirits Shop’ Selection (Sansibar)

A Glen Spey of a 27 year old chosen by Sansibar, distilled in 1988, at 47.7%, one of 198 bottles. Glen Spey is a Speyside single malt whose purifier stills give a light, grassy spirit. Under Gilbey it took the Glen Spey name and supplied the house Spey Royal blend. It was founded in 1878 by the grain merchant James Stuart, who added stills to an old oatmeal mill.

Run slowly off the four copper 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 the evaporative decades the esters fold into mango, beeswax and a nutty honey. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the delicate Speyside spirit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Long ageing turns the green, herbal edge towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice.

At 47.7%, undiluted, it is deep and waxy. A clean, grassy sweetness with a nutty thread, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is grassy and gently nutty, the delicate spirit shining through. The finish runs delicate, grassy and dry. This is a Speyside single malt of real lightness.