Description

Glen Spey 21 Glorious Years Old 1997 Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Xtra Old Particular Douglas Laing (700ml)

Cask Number: DL12952
Date of Distilling: January 1997
Date of Bottling: November 2018
Matured In: A Single Refill Hogshead

Douglas Laing is an independent bottler of fine Scotch whisky established in 1948. The concept is to enable whisky lovers around the world a chance to come as close as they can to sampling whisky as it was straight from the cask or having a whisky experience like no other. The Exceptional Single Cask series encompasses Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular.

The Glen Spey Distillery is situated in Rothes, Speyside Scotland. The Distillery produces a light malt whisky which is produced due to the distilleries ‘purifiers’ which act as small condensers. This increases the amount of reflux within the stills. Built in 1878 it is owned by Diageo and primarily used for the blended malt Scotch whisky J&B Rare.

The Glen Spey 21 Glorious Years 1997 XOP DL12952 is a single malt Scotch whisky that stands out for its age, cask selection, and independent bottling. Distilled in January 1997 and bottled in November 2018, this whisky has enjoyed a long maturation period, allowing it to develop complex flavours.

This expression was selected and bottled by Douglas Laing & Co., an independent bottler known for its “Xtra Old Particular” (XOP) range. These releases are typically single cask bottlings, meaning this whisky comes from a single refill hogshead, cask number DL12952. Refill casks, having held whisky previously, tend to impart a more subtle influence on the spirit, allowing the distillery character to shine through. It’s bottled at a natural cask strength of 51.1% alc/vol. This higher strength preserves the whisky’s intensity and flavour concentration. As with all XOP releases, it’s non-chill filtered and has no added colour.

The Glen Spey 21 Glorious Years 1997 XOP DL12952 is a whisky that showcases the benefits of long maturation and careful cask selection. It’s a great example of the quality that can be found in independent bottlings, and it’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy exploring the nuances of single cask whiskies.

This Xtra Old Particular was matured in a single refill hogshead for 21 years. Distilled in January 1997 and bottled in November 2018 at 51.1% abv.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A bright and inviting nose with notes of crème brûlée, cinnamon baked apples, and a hint of grilled pineapple with teriyaki. The higher alcohol content adds a subtle industrial note, but it’s well-integrated with the mature and mellowed aromas.

Palate: Soft and sweet on the palate, with a luscious mouthfeel. Flavours of fresh pie crust, vanilla, honey, and pear mingle harmoniously. The transition to the finish is marked by a long and substantial warming sensation from the cask strength.

Finish: The finish is the highlight, with a lingering warmth and a subtle sweetness. It’s well-balanced and avoids becoming overly sweet, thanks to the cask strength.