Glen Spey 2012/2023 Lady of the Glen 10 years old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 58.4%

Deep in Speyside, at a distillery most people only know as a contributor to J&B, a single cask quietly aged for over a decade. Distilled in December 2012, finished in an ex-Banyuls cask — a rare fortified wine from the southern French borderlands — and bottled at full cask strength for Lady of the Glen. 295 bottles. That is all there is.

Expert's description

Glen Spey 2012/2023 Lady of the Glen 10 year is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in a hogshead and finished in an ex-Banyuls cask, bottled at cask strength 58.4% by Lady of the Glen. Glen Spey distillery in Rothes is one of Diageo's most understated gems. Founded in 1878 by grain merchant James Stuart, sold to W. & A. Gilbey in 1887 as the first Scottish distillery to come into English ownership, and since then primarily used for blending — J&B is its principal customer. The characteristic purifiers on the spirit stills create a light, floral and delicate spirit. Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) is an independent bottler founded by Gregor Hannah, specialising in single cask bottlings at natural strength, without colouring or chill filtration.

This bottling rested in a hogshead with a finishing period in an ex-Banyuls cask — Banyuls is a sweet, oxidative dessert wine from Roussillon in southern France, related to tawny port. It lends the light Glen Spey character a layer of dried fruit, spice and a gentle vinous depth rarely seen from this distillery. Bottled on 5 April 2023 after precisely 10 years and 4 months — 295 hand-numbered bottles.

Tasting notes

Nose

Spiced apple and dried flowers open first, followed by flaked almonds, orange peel and red grapes from the Banyuls cask. Beneath it all, a light malty sweetness and a trace of vanilla.

Palate

Vanilla and freshly baked strudel with gingerbread and cooked berries. The high cask strength of 58.4% delivers a powerful punch that opens beautifully with a single drop of water.

Finish

Long and spicy with candied orange and white chocolate. The Banyuls cask leaves a gentle, vinous roundness deep into the finish.

Specifications

Name: Glen Spey 2012/2023 Lady of the Glen 10 year
Distillery: Glen Spey
Bottler: Lady of the Glen
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 10 years
ABV: 58.4%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Hogshead & Ex-Banyuls Cask
Bottled: 05/04/2023
Number of bottles: 295
Cask no.: #807700

Flavour profile

Fruity · Spicy · Vinous · Floral · Nutty

Investment potential

Low — priced sensibly for everyday enjoyment from a rare cask type. Single cask with only 295 bottles, but Banyuls finish is niche.

Did you know?

Banyuls wines are made from Grenache grapes and deliberately oxidised during ageing — much like tawny port. This Roussillon process gave this Glen Spey cask its distinctive depth of dried fruit and spice.

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Frequently asked questions about Glen Spey Lady of the Glen 10 year

Is Glen Spey Lady of the Glen worth the price?

Yes. You get a hand-numbered single cask bottling at full cask strength from a sought-after distillery. Only 295 bottles were produced, and the ex-Banyuls cask delivers a unique flavour profile rarely found at this price point.

What is a Banyuls cask?

Banyuls is a sweet, oxidative dessert wine from Roussillon in southern France. Casks from here add notes of dried fruit, nuts and a gentle vinous character to whisky — related to tawny port casks but with their own distinct personality.

What does non-chill filtered mean?

Chill filtration removes natural oils and fats that can make whisky appear cloudy at low temperatures. Without filtration, these compounds are retained, giving more texture and body in the glass.

Who is Lady of the Glen?

Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) is a Scottish independent bottler founded by Gregor Hannah. They specialise in single cask bottlings at natural strength — always without colouring or chill filtration.

What is Glen Spey distillery's style?

Glen Spey in Rothes is known for a light, floral and delicate style, created by the distinctive purifiers on the spirit stills. Most of the production goes into J&B blending, making single malt bottlings rare.

Can whisky at 58.4% be drunk without water?

It can, but a single drop of water typically opens up a cask strength whisky considerably. Try a small sip neat first, then add a little water and notice the difference.

How many bottles were made?

Exactly 295 bottles from cask no. #807700. The bottling is sold out at source — remaining bottles now circulate among retailers and collectors.

Is Glen Spey Lady of the Glen suitable as a gift?

Absolutely — a numbered single cask bottle with only 295 examples is a compelling and distinctive gift for any whisky enthusiast. The presentation is professional and gift-ready.

What food pairs well with it?

Dark chocolate with orange or a cheese board with mild blue cheese complement the Banyuls cask's fruity character. Serve at room temperature in a Glencairn glass — see our range of whisky glasses.