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

In Rothes, wedged between churchyard walls and the more famous names next door, stands a distillery few have heard of — yet one that has given the J&B blend its light, floral backbone for decades. Now it steps forward alone, without added colour, without filtration, honestly and directly.

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

Expert's description

Signatory Vintage Glen Spey 11 year Un-Chillfiltered Collection is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Speyside matured in 1st use hogsheads, bottled at 46% non-chill filtered. Glen Spey is one of the most retiring distilleries in all of Speyside. Founded in 1878 by grain merchant James Stuart, who initially built the site as a harbour mill before buying Macallan and selling Glen Spey to English wine merchants W. & A. Gilbey in 1887 — the first Scottish distillery to come into English hands. Since then the distillery has primarily been used as a supplier to blends.

This bottle is released by Signatory Vintage as part of their Un-Chillfiltered Collection — always bottled at a minimum of 46% and without chill filtration, preserving all the natural oils and structure. The spirit was distilled on 16 September 2010 and rested in a pair of 1st use hogsheads before being bottled on 7 January 2022. The result is a full, rounded version of a distillery otherwise known for its light and delicate style — thanks to Glen Spey's 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 trace of vanilla from the casks. Beneath it all lies a light malty sweetness reminiscent of freshly baked cake.

Palate

Soft and rounded with a grainy sweetness, fresh fruit and a hint of honey. The unfiltered style delivers a slightly fuller body than one usually associates with this distillery's light character.

Finish

Medium-length with notes of malt, soft oak and a gentle spice that slowly fades.

Specifications

Name: Signatory Vintage Glen Spey 11 year Un-Chillfiltered Collection
Distillery: Glen Spey
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 11 years
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: 1st use hogsheads
Bottled: 7 January 2022
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Edition: The Un-Chillfiltered Collection
EAN no.: 5021944116270

Flavour profile

Fruity · Floral · Malty · Creamy · Lightly spiced

Did you know?

Glen Spey is the only distillery in Rothes said to be haunted — according to local legend, the place 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

Is Glen Spey Signatory 11 year worth the price?

Yes — a hand-numbered single malt from a recognised independent bottler, bottled non-chill filtered at 46%. The combination of a rare distillery and a strong price point makes it a compelling buy.

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

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

What are 1st use hogsheads?

1st use means the casks are being used for whisky for the first time. This delivers 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 — specialist copper components in the distillation apparatus — which increase reflux and create a lighter, more floral and perfumed spirit. This is the technique that gives J&B its characteristic light style.

What is bottle number 465?

The specific bottle is individually numbered 465 in the bottling. It confirms authenticity and the limited number of bottles from that particular cask combination.

Can rust appear on the cap after purchase?

Rust on the metal screw cap is a cosmetic phenomenon with no impact on the whisky's flavour or shelf life. The contents are hermetically sealed and unaffected.

When is it best to drink it?

Now and for many years to come. An opened bottle is best enjoyed within 1–2 years. Store unopened upright, away from direct sunlight and heat.

What do I serve with Glen Spey 11 year?

Serve neat or with a minimal drop of water in a Glencairn glass — see our whisky glass range. Lightly fruity cheeses, apple slices or lightly salted almonds complement the floral, fruity profile.