Speyside SPEY 2007 Cask #2769

This official Speyside Distillery single malt, a 9 year old Speyside malt from 2007, drawn from cask 2769 and bottled at 51.8%. The outturn was 300 bottles. Hand built near Kingussie and first run in 1990 near Kingussie in the upper Spey valley, 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.

It was worked slowly through short stills to keep the spirit light, for the light, fruity Speyside make the distillery is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the fruit lead. At this young age the spirit is fresh and light, the apple and pear bright. Refill oak lets the delicate distillery character lead, fruit over malt. It is the most southerly Speyside distillery, nearest of all to the source of the Spey. The first single malt, Drumguish, was released in 1993 after three years in the warehouse.

At 51.8%, undiluted, it is deep and honeyed. Orchard fruit and a floral lift sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. 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.