Glen Spey 12yo Flora & Fauna 43% 700ml

The Glen Spey 12 Year Old Flora & Fauna, bottled by Diageo in 2003, represents a rare gem from one of the most enigmatic distilleries in the heart of Speyside. Established in 1878 in Rothes and later becoming part of Diageo's impressive portfolio, Glen Spey distillery has historically been an elusive mark for whisky connoisseurs. This 700 ml bottle boasts an ABV of 43%, offering a delightful exploration into the delicate Speyside style. Historically, Glen Spey was acquired by W & A Gilbey, better known for their gin, and later integrated into International Distillers and Vintners (IDV) in 1962. Eventually, IDV merged into Grand Metropolitan, which later united with Guinness to form Diageo in 1997. Despite its location in the bustling Speyside region, Glen Spey has remained a hidden treasure, unrecognized by many whisky enthusiasts. The distillery utilizes two wash stills and two spirit stills to transform unpeated malted barley mash into an approximately 71% ABV distillate, which is then aged in barrels to allow the flavors to mature before being diluted to a drinkable 43%. This expression features a light, delicate profile with subtle oiliness, fresh grass, fruits, a hint of sweetness, and a dry finish—typical of the Speyside style. The nose is marked by creamy butterscotch, malt, and ripe banana, with a medium-thick body that is sweet and smooth, albeit with a touch of bitterness. The finish is spiced, dry, and lingers with notes of grapefruit and salty licorice, though the nose remains its standout characteristic. Some find the finish to be slightly bitter, detracting from an otherwise delightful experience. The whisky exudes aromas of grass, apple, floral notes, and vanilla, with a palate that balances malty, grassy, and dried fruit flavors, accented by earthy and smoky undertones, finishing dry with lingering grass, vanilla, and smoke. FAQs

• What is the significance of the Flora & Fauna series?

  The Flora & Fauna series, curated by Diageo, showcases rare and unique expressions from some of their lesser-known distilleries.

• How is Glen Spey 12 Years Old typically enjoyed?

  It's often appreciated neat or with a splash of water to open up the nuanced flavors. It's also a good pairing with certain cheeses, like fenugreek cheese.

• What makes Glen Spey distillery unique?

  Glen Spey's relatively obscure status and its delicate, typical Speyside style make it a unique discovery for whisky aficionados.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Grass, apple, floral notes, vanilla, peat, cream, butter, butterscotch, honeycomb candy, toffee, ripe banana, cardboard, lemon, cereals, liquid wax, ethereal, mint.

Taste

Malty, grassy, hints of apple, dried fruit, earthy notes, smoke, slightly bitter, mineral, slightly waxy, fruity sweet, white wine, elegant acidity, cinnamon, nuts, oily, viscous, iron, bread, cake dough, pastry, green apples, gooseberries, malt sweetness, herbal.

Finish

Dry, grass, vanilla, smoke, medium, spices, ginger bread, danish pastry, peach, vanilla, cinnamon, oak, chili, smooth, bold.

Overall

The Glen Spey 12yo Flora & Fauna offers a complex and balanced taste with pronounced grassy and fruity notes, complemented by a touch of peat and a dry finish. The nose is particularly prominent with its creamy, malty, and fruity profile, while the palate reveals youthful vigor with underlying sweetness and a lingering spicy finish.

Reviewer's Opinion

As a reviewer, I find Glen Spey 12 Year Old Flora & Fauna to be a charmingly light and delicate whisky, exhibiting the classic Speyside characteristics. Its nose is a true highlight, brimming with creamy and fruity notes. While the finish can be slightly bitter for some, the overall experience is balanced and delightful. This expression solidifies itself as a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking to explore one of Diageo's lesser-known treasures.