Glen Spey 12 years Flora & Fauna

Glen Spey is one of those distilleries rarely seen as a single malt, which makes this 12-year-old Flora & Fauna release all the more special. Nestled in the heart of Speyside, Glen Spey produces a light, elegant style of whisky, aided by the use of purifiers on the stills. The result is a subtle and refined dram, perfect for contemplative sipping. This expression is a classic showcase of Speyside’s delicate charm at its best.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Soft and fresh with hints of blossom, crushed grain and vanilla. Gentle herbal notes, green apple and a touch of hay in the background.

Palate

Light and elegant with floral tones, sweet malt and a dusting of nutmeg. Crisp pear and vanilla enrich the mid-palate.

Finish

Medium in length, clean and dry with a faint spicy edge and a lingering barley sweetness.

Flora & Fauna Series

In a world where big names often steal the spotlight, Diageo's Flora & Fauna series is a quiet hero. This particular series was launched in the 1990s to give a stage to lesser-known distilleries within the group's portfolio. Think of names like Auchroisk, Benrinnes, Dailuaine or Inchgower - distilleries that usually disappear in blends, but shine in this series as Single Malt.

What makes this series so charming is its combination of quality, character and simplicity. Each bottle carries a label with an elegant drawing of a flora or fauna scene (hence the name), symbolic of the nature surrounding the distillery in question. The whiskies themselves are often not too heavily filtered, bottled at 43% alcohol, and matured in classic casks such as ex-bourbon or sherry casks - without excessive frills, but with plenty of authenticity.

Flora & Fauna bottlings are loved by collectors and whisky enthusiasts who love discovering something unique, something "off the beaten path". It is like getting a peek behind the scenes of Scotland's whisky world - a world that is not just about marketing, but more importantly about craft and taste.

In short: the Flora & Fauna series is a loving tribute to the silent workhorses of the whisky world. Honest, pure and with its own voice - exactly as single malt is meant to be.

Glen Spey Distillery

Glen Spey Distillery is located in the town of Rothes, in the heart of Scotland's Speyside region. Founded in 1878 by James Stuart, a former manager of Macallan, Glen Spey has a rich history in whisky production. The distillery was taken over by W&A Gilbey in 1887, bringing stability and growth to the distillery.

A unique feature of Glen Spey is the use of so-called "purifiers" on the stills, which therefore produce a lighter and purer spirit. The distillery uses water from the nearby Doonie Burn, which contributes to the purity and quality of their whiskies. Glen Spey whiskies are known for their light and delicate flavour profiles, with notes of apple, pear and a subtle spiciness.

The whiskies are mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks, which ensures a smooth and balanced flavour. Glen Spey produces mainly for blended whiskies, including J&B, but their single malts are also appreciated for their finesse and complexity. The combination of a picturesque location, innovative techniques and high-quality production makes Glen Spey a respected name in the world of Scotch whisky.