Glen Spey 1977 (Maltbarn)

Glen Spey is more or less a workhorse distillery for Diageo. This 1977 vintage is the newest bottling in the so far quite impressive Maltbarn range.

Glen Spey 34 yo 1977 (52,4%, Maltbarn 2012, bourbon barrel, 124 btl.)

Nose: fragrant and fruity. A slightly synthetic, solventy fruitiness at first, but very pleasant. A whole bunch of gummi bears, as well as tinned peaches, pineapple cubes and melon. Vanilla. A little strawberry milkshake. A fresh herbal side too, and a nice hint of paraffin. Mouth: again showing a certain cotton candy feel, or fruit tea with honey. Green banana. Then more prominently on oak, both the wood itself and the spices (pepper, ginger) up to the point where the fruits get drowned for a second. Malt. A few grassy notes and liquorice, aniseed. Back to oranges and something of bergamot oil.

Finish: long, still fruity sweet with a little mint and nutty notes.

This is a rather special oldie again (seems to become a trademark feature for Maltbarn), with both a sweet character and older components. I quite like the combination of bubblegummy fruitiness and oak spices. Available soon, around € 170.

Score: 89/100