Glen Spey 27 Years Old 1994 Bough to the Breeze (Wemyss)

A 27 year old Glen Spey from Wemyss Malts, distilled in 1994, at 46%, one of 221 bottles. Glen Spey is a light, fragrant Speyside malt of fresh grass and a nutty malt. The distillery is said to be watched over by the ghost of a soldier who died on the site. It was founded in 1878 by the grain merchant James Stuart, who added stills to an old oatmeal mill.

The spirit was run slowly off the four copper stills, shaping a light body with a soft, waxy edge. 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. The lantern stills set a light, fresh tone that the oak then slowly deepens. A light oiliness carries a waxy thread through the long, slow maturation. Long ageing turns the green, herbal edge towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow and delicate. A clean, grassy sweetness with a nutty thread, with a light oak sweetness. Beneath it run fresh grass, light fruit and a nutty malt. The finish runs delicate, grassy and dry. This is a quiet, characterful Speyside single malt.