Glen Spey | 12 Jahre | 2009/2021 | G&M CC | Cote Rotie Wood Finish | Batch 21/051 | 45%

The Glen Spey Distillery, nestled in the heart of Speyside, is renowned for its light yet characterful Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Originally established as a mill by James Stuart in 1878, it was later transformed into a whisky distillery and sold to W&A Gilbey, a company predominantly known for gin, in 1887. This marked the beginning of Glen Spey's journey in Scotch production under the Glen Spey name. Through various mergers and acquisitions, the distillery became part of Diageo, the world's largest spirits company.

With a relatively modest production capacity of 1.4 million liters per year, Glen Spey sources its water from Doonie's Spring. The distillery utilizes two wash stills and two spirit stills, designed in a special lantern shape that enables efficient distillation, allowing only the purest alcohol vapors to pass through. Additionally, the stills are equipped with a purifier, acting as a mini-condenser to enhance reflux, leading to a lighter whisky. This unique setup contributes to Glen Spey's signature profile, often described as light and nutty with a pleasant oily texture.

Despite Glen Spey's significant role as a component in J&B blends, official bottlings are rare. The few official releases, including a 21-year-old and a 12-year-old expression from the Flora & Fauna series, are highly sought after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts. Independent bottlings offer a wider range of ages and flavor profiles and are somewhat easier to find. The production's special features, such as the use of purifiers and the unique shape of the stills, contribute to a whisky appreciated for its lightness and elegance.

Despite its modest size and relative obscurity, Glen Spey has a rich history and occupies a special niche in the world of Scotch whisky. The distillery, which does not have a visitor center and is not open to the public, remains a hidden gem in Speyside, whose products are valued by connoisseurs for their quality and uniqueness​

Gordon & MacPhail: A Guide to the Scottish Whisky Bottler with Tradition

Gordon & MacPhail is one of the oldest and most prestigious independent whisky bottlers in Scotland, with origins dating back to 1895. Founded by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail, the company remains family-owned, managed by the Urquhart family, and is headquartered in Elgin, in the heart of Speyside, a region famous for its whisky production.

Over a Century of Whisky Expertise

Over the years, Gordon & MacPhail has developed unique expertise in maturing whisky. The company is known for selecting exceptional casks and aging them to perfection in their own warehouses. Many of their whiskies mature for decades, some for over 30, 40, or even 50 years before bottling.

A Diverse Portfolio

Gordon & MacPhail's range includes various product lines such as 'Connoisseurs Choice', 'Private Collection', and 'Generations'. Each line features its own theme and style, ranging from young, vibrant bottlings to rare, decades-old whiskies. Notably, Gordon & MacPhail also offers whiskies from closed distilleries, providing connoisseurs the chance to experience historically significant single malts.

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

In addition to preserving tradition, Gordon & MacPhail places great emphasis on sustainability and the advancement of their production processes. The company has recently announced plans to gradually reduce its role as an independent bottler and focus more on producing its own distillates. This includes using whisky from their own distilleries like Benromach and The Cairn to enhance the quality and uniqueness of their products.

For whisky enthusiasts, Gordon & MacPhail offer not just a tasting of top-quality malts but also a profound experience of Scottish whisky history, marked by the company's dedication and passion.