Glen Spey 2010/2022 Signatory Vintage 11 year old Single Speyside Malt Whisky 46%

In Rothes, hemmed in between churchyard walls and the better-known names of its neighbours, sits a distillery most people have never heard of – yet one that has given J&B its light, floral backbone for decades. Now it steps forward on its own, without added colour, without filtration, honest and direct.

Note: Rust on the cap and label wear may occur.

Expert description of Signatory Vintage Glen Spey Un-Chillfiltered Collection

Glen Spey is one of the most understated distilleries in all of Speyside. It was founded in 1878 by grain merchant James Stuart, who initially built the site as a mill, and it was actually here that he held his licence before purchasing Macallan and selling Glen Spey on to the English wine merchant W. & A. Gilbey in 1887 – the first Scottish distillery to come under English ownership. Since then the distillery has primarily been used as a supplier to blends, and it is rare to see it appear as a single malt.

This bottle has been bottled by independent bottler Signatory Vintage as part of their Un-Chillfiltered Collection, a series where the whisky is always bottled at a minimum of 46% and without chill filtration, so all the natural oils and structure are preserved. The spirit was distilled on 16 September 2010 and has since matured on a pair of 1st use hogsheads before being bottled on 7 January 2022 as an 11-year-old whisky. The result is a full, rounded expression of a distillery otherwise known for its light and delicate style – thanks to Glen Spey's very distinctive purifiers on the spirit stills, which increase reflux and create a cleaner, more perfumed spirit.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Floral tones meet ripe pears and apples, spiced with a hint of vanilla from the casks. Beneath it all lies a light malted sweetness reminiscent of freshly baked cake.

Palate

The palate is soft and rounded with a grainy sweetness, fresh fruit and a touch of honey. The unfiltered style delivers a slightly fuller mouthfeel than one would normally associate with this distillery's light character.

Finish

The finish is medium-length with notes of malt, soft oak and a gentle spiciness that fades slowly.

Specifications

Name: Signatory Vintage Glen Spey 11 Year Old Un-Chillfiltered Collection
Distillery: Glen Spey
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 11 Year Old
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: 1st use hogsheads
Bottled: 7 January 2022
Number of bottles: Bottle no. 465
Edition: The Un-Chillfiltered Collection
EAN no.: 5021944116270

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Floral · Malty · Creamy · Lightly spiced

Did you know?

Glen Spey is said to be the only distillery in Rothes that is haunted – according to local legend, the site is visited by the ghost of a soldier who lost his life in an electrical accident during the Second World War.

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Frequently asked questions about Glen Spey 2010/2022 Signatory Vintage 11 Year Old

Is Glen Spey Signatory 11 Year Old worth the money?

Yes – it is a hand-numbered single malt from a respected independent bottler, bottled un-chillfiltered at 46%. The combination of a rare distillery and an attractive price makes it a strong buy.

What is the difference between Glen Spey 10 Year Old and 11 Year Old from Signatory?

Both are from the Un-Chillfiltered Collection at 46%, but these are two separate bottlings from different casks. The 11-year-old was bottled in January 2022 from 1st use hogsheads and delivers a slightly rounder and fuller profile.

What are "1st use hogsheads"?

1st use means the casks are being used for whisky for the first time. This gives a stronger cask influence: more vanilla, toffee and oak sweetness compared to casks used multiple times.

What is Signatory's Un-Chillfiltered Collection?

A series from Signatory Vintage always bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV and never chill filtered. The result is more texture, depth and naturalness in the glass.

What makes Glen Spey special as a distillery?

Glen Spey uses purifiers – special copper elements in the distillation apparatus – that increase reflux and create a lighter, floral and more perfumed spirit. This is the technique that gives J&B its characteristic light style.

What is the connection between Glen Spey, James Stuart and Macallan?

Founder James Stuart sold Glen Spey to W. & A. Gilbey in 1887 and used the proceeds to acquire Macallan. The two distilleries share a common historical link through the same founder.

What is bottle number 465?

The specific bottle is individually numbered as no. 465 in the bottling. This confirms the authenticity and the limited number of bottles from the specific cask combination.

Can rust on the cap appear after purchase?

Rust on the metal screw cap is a cosmetic issue with no effect on the flavour or shelf life of the whisky. The contents are hermetically sealed and unaffected.

How does Glen Spey compare stylistically to other Speyside whiskies?

Glen Spey sits at the lighter, more floral end of the Speyside spectrum – less fruity than Glenlivet, less sherried than Glenfarclas, closer in spirit to a delicate, perfumed Highland style.

Is this a good choice as a gift?

Absolutely. The combination of a rare distillery, an independent bottler with a strong reputation, and an individual bottle number makes it an unusually personal gift for a whisky enthusiast who already has the obvious bottles covered.