Spey whiskey: history, overview of taste and types
Scotch with an eloquent geographical name is produced in the heart of Aviemore, a popular ski resort in Scotland.
Amidst the mesmerizing scenery, surrounded by snowy peaks, the exquisite SPEY whisky with a delicate character and smooth texture is born.
The drink is produced at the young Speyside Distillery, one of the most beautiful distilleries in the country.
The history of Spey whiskey
The date of foundation of the modern distillery, located on the slopes of the Cairngorm Mountains, is considered to be 1990. The company was built by entrepreneur George Christie, who spent almost 30 years on its construction.
However, the history of SPEY scotch began long before that. In 1770, the company John & Robert Harvey started distilling whiskey, opening several distilleries in different regions of Scotland.
By 1856, the owners of the company had developed the so-called "Harvey's Code" - a family recipe for creating single malt spirits, which is used today in the production of "SPEY".
The manual describes in detail each stage: from the selection of water and the mashing of barley to the manufacture of casks. At the beginning of the XX century, the company was forced to abandon distillation and focused exclusively on whiskey trade.
During Prohibition, a descendant of the founders, Alexander Harvey, continued the family business by smuggling SPEY scotch in Durham County, USA. Alec's grandson John Harvey McDonough, inspired by his grandfather's example, set out to restart distilling the famous product.
In 1990, he organized the sale of the drink in Taiwan, making it the No. 3 brand among single malt whiskeys in the local market.
By 2012, John had realized his father's dream of returning to whisky production by buying the Speyside Distillery and reviving the family business.
Interesting facts
In 1815, Lord Byron, after marrying Baroness Anabella, the daughter of the owner of the Seaham Hall estate (today a well-known spa center), presented a barrel of Scotch whiskey to the guest of honor, King George III. It is assumed that it was "SPEY". The Latin Collection is dedicated to the British romantic poet and his passion for learning languages. It includes Spey Tenné, Spey Trutina, and Spey Fumaré scotches.
Among the buyers of the smuggled drink supplied by Alec Harvey to the United States were the owners of exclusive clubs, Oney Madden and Bell Livingston, gangster Al Capone and "king of bootleggers" George Remus.
Before the construction of the Speyside Distillery, a barley plant and a mill operated on the site of the distillery. The new owners still use and maintain the 18th century water wheel.
Specifics of production
Light, delicate, multifaceted "Spey" scotch with a recognizable character is produced using classic Scottish technology.
The drink contains only 3 ingredients: barley, water and yeast.
Each release has its own style.
To add complexity and improve the texture, they use the technology of extra aging.
The Speyside Distillery is notable for its small size. It consists of 1 mash vat, 4 stainless steel fermentation tanks and 2 distillation cubes.
Due to the lack of local maturation facilities, the spirits are stored in Glasgow.
Water for production is taken from the tributary of the Spey River - Tromie.
Overview of Spey whiskey types
The main collection of the brand includes 6 excellent single malt scotches "Spey":
Tenné
The drink is a beautiful coppery shade with pink reflections, aged in bourbon casks, aged for 6 months in Tawny port casks.
Aroma: dry, mostly fruity, with a subtle earthiness.
Taste: light, sweet, with hints of raspberries and almonds.
Trutina
Pale golden scotch has an elegant, feminine bouquet. Available since 2016.
Aroma: light, fruity, with notes of lychee, white grapes, apple blossom, toffee, honey and clover.
Taste: soft, sweet, with a subtle hint of crisp acidity and a trail of Parma violets.
Aftertaste: dry, with hints of white pepper and chocolate.
Fumaré
Elegant, smoky, bright golden drink, similar in color to vintage champagne. Available since 2016. The bouquet resembles Islay whiskey, but seems lighter and more restrained.
Aroma: distinctly medical, salty and marine, with the presence of carbolic, tar, iodine tones. After adding water, notes of vanilla toffee and soot appear.
Taste: light, sweet and salty, with a smoky, medicinal finish and hints of basil.
Chairman’s Choice
A drink first produced in 1787. Bottled from selected barrels. Color: deep amber.
Aroma: refreshing, floral and fruity with the presence of vanilla.
Aftertaste: delicate, with tones of dried fruits, nuts and a creamy finish.
Finish: soft, with accents of spices and woody sweetness. Strength: 40%.
18 year old
Luxurious velvet scotch, selected from the oldest stocks of Spey, matured in special sherry casks.
Released in a limited edition of 1500 bottles. Color: amber-golden.
Aroma: elegant, with an accent of sherry.
Nose: sweet, balanced, smooth, with honey and nutty notes.
Finish: orange and floral, with a smoky hint and sherry aftertaste.
Spey Royal Choice
The pearl of the Spey collection. Whiskey has a rich golden color with a creamy silky texture.
Aroma: warm, with accents of toffee, spices and oak.
Taste: juicy, smooth, thick, with tones of wheat and toffee, a lingering creamy aftertaste. Sold in a stylish leather package.
The strength is common to all drinks, except for Chairman’s Choice", and makes up 46%.
A separate series includes limited releases. The cost of such molts varies from 50 to 1 thousand dollars.
Update: 01.06.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon