Glen Spey 14 years 2008 - 2023 Benchmark

Glen Spey is a quiet powerhouse in the world of Scotch whisky. Mostly reserved for blends, it's rarely seen as a single malt – which makes this release all the more special. Murray McDavid gave this rare Glen Spey a boost of character with a first fill Oloroso sherry cask finish. The result? A smooth yet layered whisky brimming with fruity and spicy complexity.

This Speyside malt marries its elegant base with the rich, nutty influence of the sherry cask. A discovery for the curious whisky lover who appreciates balance with a touch of indulgence.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dried fruits such as raisins and figs, combined with walnuts, orange peel and soft spices. Hints of oak and toffee linger in the background.

Palate

Round and smooth with flavours of dark chocolate, sherried fruits, cinnamon and clove. A touch of mocha and roasted almond adds a warm, comforting layer.

Finish

Long and elegant with lasting notes of nutmeg, orange zest and a gentle oaky whisper.

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.

Murray McDavid

Murray McDavid is an independent Scottish bottler founded in 1994 by Mark Reynier, Simon Coughlin, and Gordon Wright. The company is known for its innovative approach to whisky, focusing on selecting high-quality casks and experimenting with unique maturation processes.

Murray McDavid bottles whisky from different distilleries, both single malts and blended malts, and often introduces secondary maturities in different types of casks, such as wine, rum or sherry casks, to create complex flavour profiles. They have several series such as "Mission Gold," "Benchmark," and "Cask Craft."

An important aspect of Murray McDavid is their focus on transparency. They provide detailed information about the origin of the whisky, the casks used and the ageing time, which makes them popular among connoisseurs and collectors. In 2013, Murray McDavid was acquired by Aceo Ltd, which expanded their ability to continue producing unique whiskies. Murray McDavid's bottlings are often praised for their quality and the creative way they combine traditional whisky techniques with modern innovations.