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| Hi, this is one of our (almost) daily tastings. Santé! |
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September 5, 2025 |
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WF’s Little Duos, today, Glen Spey |
We continue our relentless exploration of somewhat obscure Scottish distilleries—at least, those that are rarely promoted by their owners. It’s often a chance to discover that their whiskies are excellent and have nothing to envy from the big names that are much better known and, more often than not… rather a tad pretentious and very faintly arrogant at least some of them Hmm. Glen Spey is at the heart of J&B and is therefore supposed to be a light malt. In theory…
('When the nose said yes, it's yes.' Frrecnh press advert for J&B from 1991, featuring Jim Milne, master blender. A very traditional theme, seen elsewhere of course - Johnnie Walker, etc.) |
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Glen Spey 11 yo 2013/2025 (57.7%, James Eadie, Cask Finish, cask #373070, 221 bottles) 
20 months in first fill European oak oloroso sherry butt here. Colour: amber. Nose: nicely done, on dried raisins that aren’t ‘too fruity’ and walnut cake, pecans, Brazil nuts etc. There’s a rather ‘simple’ side to it that we rather enjoy, even if subtle touches of rose, lemon balm and peppermint begin to emerge little by little, giving it a slight ‘stroll through the garden’ feel. With water: faint notes of forest floor, humus, mushrooms, tobacco… Mouth (neat): very caramelly, Mars bars, millionaire’s shortbread, molasses honey, honey-and-raisin cereal bar and the rest. It’s really very moreish. With water: not much change here, the spices remain gentle and the whole feels quite rounded and charming. Worth noting, it can take on implausible quantities of water. Finish: rather long, still rounded and sweet, honeyed, and still adorned with gentle spices. A drop of ginger liqueur. Comments: this is very very very good. Frankly, one wouldn’t immediately think of J&B, talking about its lightness here..
SGP:651 - 87 points. |
More oloroso, but this time in American oak… |
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Glen Spey 14 yo 2010/2025 (57.5%, Single Cask Nation, 1st fill American oak oloroso hogshead)
May I take this opportunity to remind you that when it comes to sherry casks, American oak is the rule and European oak the exception. Indeed, it’s rather counterintuitive. Colour: full gold. Nose: very similar aromatic territory, though here we’re leaning more towards dried and candied fruits, with subtler spices and a lovely soft liquorice. Splendid orange liqueur with honey, dried figs, white nougat, sweet wine like a muscat (a sweet one, muscat isn’t always sweet) or late-harvest gewurztraminer… In fact, it’s an extremely friendly nose. With water: little change, it just becomes even more approachable. Mouth (neat): a fantastic cocktail of honeyed liqueurs, with a clear, direct, irresistible side. I believe this baby could replace honey in your yoghurts, pastries, tisanes, over your pancakes etc. For a wee kick that instantly lifts the spirit and soothes your worries and fits of rage. Please don’t quote me to your local health authorities. With water: it joins its 2013 sibling in terms of style. Finish: long, gentle, honeyed, extremely moreish. Comments: a superb honeyed sweetness and a malt that should appeal to absolutely everyone.
SGP:651 - 87 points. |
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