Speyside Distillery 1991 (Small Batch)

Bottled by Cadenhead's, this Speyside Distillery single malt, a 25 year old Speyside malt from 1991 and bottled at 52.4%. The outturn was 312 bottles. Built by hand on a former barley mill site at Tromie Mills, the most southerly Speyside distillery, the Speyside Distillery is one of Scotland's smallest. George Christie bought the land in 1956 and had a stonemason raise the distillery by hand over the years that followed.

Distilled on River Tromie water in a tiny pair of pot stills, building the gentle Speyside style it is loved for. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the light character to the fore. Very old make from here turns profound, waxy and rich yet still fragrant. The short stills give body, which slow running and a clean cut keep light. Its two pot stills are among the smallest in Scotland, the whole works under one roof. Water is drawn from the River Tromie through the old mill lade and waterwheel.

At a hearty 52.4% it carries real weight. Orchard fruit and a floral lift sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. A ripe pear and a gentle spice lift it. It finishes clean, fresh and fruity. This is the fresh Speyside style of the SPEY range.