Speyside Distillery 1998 (Old Particular)

This is a Speyside Distillery single malt, chosen and bottled by Douglas Laing, a 28 year old Speyside malt from 1998, drawn from cask DL 20771 and bottled at 54.3%. Just 222 bottles were filled. Hand built over two decades by the stonemason Alex Fairlie in the Cairngorm foothills near Kingussie, the Speyside Distillery is one of Scotland's smallest. It is the most southerly of the Speyside distilleries, nearest of all to the source of the Spey.

The spirit was run slow through small copper stills for a light, fruity spirit, to build a fresh, orchard fruit character. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the light character to the fore. At a quarter century and more it is rich and waxy, candied fruit, honey and old oak over a fragrant base. The light, fragrant make takes cask character readily across maturation. It is the most southerly Speyside distillery, nearest of all to the source of the Spey.

At 54.3%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. A light, fruity sweetness meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Beneath it run apple, honey and a soft spice. It finishes clean, fresh and fruity. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.