Speyside Distillery 1995 HB Single Cask Cask Strength (Hart Brothers)

Bottled by Hart Brothers, this Speyside Distillery single malt, a 26 year old release from 1995 and bottled at 46.9%. The Speyside Distillery was built by hand on a former barley mill site at Tromie Mills, the most southerly Speyside distillery, and its entire production sits under a single roof. 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 sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. At this great age the malt is full and settled, the fruit deep and the honey mellow. The short stills give body, which slow running and a clean cut keep light. Set in the Cairngorm foothills, it counts among Scotland's prettiest distilleries.

At an approachable 46.9% it is light and balanced. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and 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 closes long, fruity and honeyed. This is the fresh Speyside style of the SPEY range.