Glen Spey 1996

The least known of the Rothes distilleries, Glen Spey was founded in 1878 by James Stuart & Co. and named as the Mill of Rothes. The name didn’t stick too long when new owners arrived in 1887, with W&A Gilbey more known producing gin. Very little has happened at Glen Spey since, with a fire in 1920 prompting a partial rebuild and in 1970, the stills being expanded to 4 in total. Pretty much that’s it, for one of Diageo’s smallest and least known distilleries. What has kept Glen Spey alive, is its association with blends such as J&B and the human element that has departed many other distilleries in favour automation. A distinctive oily and nutty distillate provides an uncommon element to the blend. Sadly, very little of Glen Spey is seen with the Flora & Fauna 12 year old being the most common and a couple of special editions representing the total official range in over 140 years.