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
