Glen Spey Old Malt Cask 1997 18 años Single Malt Whisky

Glen Spey Distillery, established in 1878 by James Stuart & Co. as "Mill of Rothes," stands in the heart of Speyside, Scotland's most celebrated whisky region. Originally integrated into a flour mill operation in Rothes, Aberlour, the distillery transitioned to dedicated whisky production within a decade, selling to London's renowned W.&A. Gilbey in 1887. Now under Diageo's stewardship, Glen Spey operates as a crucial component in the world's fourth-best-selling Scotch blend, J&B Rare. The distillery's distinctive production features two pairs of spirit stills equipped with purifiers—a rare configuration that creates Glen Spey's signature light, delicate character with grassy, nutty notes and subtle fruit undertones. With an annual capacity of approximately 3.7 million liters, Glen Spey remains primarily a blending malt, though limited official bottlings (12-year-old Flora & Fauna) and independent releases reveal its elegant, refined profile. The water source, the Rothes Burn, combined with unusually long fermentation times of up to 75 hours, contributes to its complex yet approachable spirit, making it indispensable for J&B's smooth, accessible character while representing Speyside's gentler side for connoisseurs.