The Speyside 1996 18 Years Single Malt Whisky

Spey Distillery, acquired by Harvey's of Edinburgh in 2012, has rapidly emerged as a significant force in Asian whisky markets. Since the 1990s, John Harvey McDonough has spearheaded the brand's expansion in Taiwan, establishing Spey Single Malt as the island's third-largest single malt whisky brand. In April 2019, the distillery's parent company announced a strategic distribution partnership with Luzhou Laojiao, a leading Chinese spirits producer. This landmark agreement will increase annual production capacity from 600,000 to 1,000,000 liters, providing access to China's duty-free sector, key international markets including the United States, and Luzhou Laojiao's nationwide retail network in China. Situated near Kingussie in Speyside, the distillery operates with a 4.2-ton semi-lauter mash tun, four stainless steel washbacks (70-120 hour fermentation), and dedicated stills. Operating six days weekly, it produces 600,000 liters of new make spirit annually. While lacking on-site warehouses, all spirit is matured in the parent company's Glasgow facilities. The core portfolio includes Tenné (six-month port cask finish), 18 Year Old (sherry cask matured), Chairman's Choice and Royal Choice (American and European oak), alongside 2017 innovations Trutina (non-peated, 100% bourbon cask) and Fumare (peated). Beinn Dubh, a signature black whisky, replaced Black Whisky Cu.Dubh. Limited releases feature second-batch cask strength expressions, 10-year-old bourbon/port cask marriage, Speyside anniversary single cask, and market-exclusive single cask bottlings.