Scotch with a speaking geographical name is produced in the heart of Aviemore, a popular ski resort in Scotland.
Among the mesmerizing landscapes, surrounded by snowy peaks, the exquisite SPEY whiskey is born with a delicate character and smooth texture.
The drink is produced at the young Speyside Distillery, one of the most beautiful in the country.
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History of Spey Whiskey
The founding date of the modern distillery, located on the slopes of the Cairngorm mountains, is considered to be 1990. The enterprise was built by entrepreneur George Christie, who spent almost 30 years on its construction.
However, the history of SPEY tape began long before that. In 1770, John & Robert Harvey began to distill whiskey, opening several distilleries in different regions of Scotland.
By 1856, the owners of the company had developed the so-called “Harvey’s Code” – a family recipe for creating single malt spirits, which is used today in the production of “SPEY”.
The manual describes each stage in detail: from the choice of water and malting of barley to the manufacture of barrels. At the beginning of the XNUMXth century, the company was forced to abandon distillation and focused exclusively on the whiskey trade.
During Prohibition, a descendant of the founders, Alexander Harvey, continued the family business, smuggling SPEY scotch in County Durham, USA. Alec’s grandson John Harvey McDonough, inspired by his grandfather’s example, set himself the goal of restoring the distillation of the famous product.
In 1990, he launched the drink in Taiwan, making it the No. 3 single malt whiskey brand in the local market.
By 2012, John fulfilled his father’s dream of returning to whiskey production by purchasing the Speyside Distillery and resurrecting the family business.
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Interesting Facts
In 1815, Lord Byron, having married Baroness Annabella, daughter of the owner of the Seaham Hall estate (today a well-known spa center), presented a barrel of Scotch whiskey to an honored guest – King George III. It is assumed that it was “SPEY”. The Latin Collection is dedicated to the British Romantic poet and his passion for learning languages. It includes scotch tapes “Spey Tenné”, “Spey Trutina”, “Spey Fumaré”.
Buyers of the contraband drink supplied by Alec Harvey in the US included exclusive club owners Owney Madden and Bell Livingston, mobster Al Capone and “bootlegger king” George Remus.
Prior to the construction of the Speyside Distillery, a barley mill and a mill operated on the site of the distillery. The new owners still use and maintain the XNUMXth century waterwheel.
Manufacturing specifics
Light, delicate multi-faceted adhesive tape “Spey” with a recognizable character is produced according to the classic Scottish technology.
The composition of the drink includes only 3 ingredients: barley, water and yeast.
Each release has its own style.
To add complexity and improve texture, post-exposure technology is used.
The Speyside Distillery is small in size. It consists of 1 mash tun, 4 stainless steel fermentation tanks and 2 stills.
Due to the lack of warehouses for maturation, spirits are stored in Glasgow.
Water for production is taken from the Tromi, a tributary of the Spey River.
Overview of Spey Whiskeys
The main collection of the brand includes 6 delicious single malt scotch “Spey”:
I would
A beautiful copper-coloured drink with pink reflections, aged in bourbon casks, aged for 6 months in Tawny port vessels.
Aroma: dryish, predominantly fruity, with a slight earthiness.
Taste: light, sweet, with hints of raspberries and almonds.
Balance
Pale gold scotch has an elegant, feminine bouquet. Produced since 2016.
Nose: light, fruity, with notes of lychee, white grapes, apple blossom, toffee, honey and clover.
Taste: soft, sweet, with a subtle splash of crisp acidity and a plume of Parma violets.
Finish: dry, with hints of white pepper and chocolate.
I will smoke
An elegant, smoky, bright golden drink, similar in color to vintage champagne. Produced since 2016. The bouquet is reminiscent of Islay whiskey, but seems lighter and more restrained.
Aroma: distinctly medical, salty-marine, with the presence of carbolic, tar, iodine tones. After adding water, notes of vanilla toffee and soot appear.
Taste: light, sweet-salty, with a smoky medicinal finish and hints of basil.
Chairman’s Choice
A drink first released in 1787. Bottled from selected barrels. Colour: intense amber.
Aroma: refreshing, floral-fruity with vanilla.
Taste: delicate, with hints of dried fruits, nuts and a creamy plume.
Finish: soft, with accents of spices and woody sweetness. Fortress: 40%.
18 year old
Luxurious velvety scotch, selected from the oldest stocks of Spey, matured in special sherry casks.
Released in a limited edition of 1500 bottles. Colour: amber gold.
Aroma: elegant, with an accent of sherry.
Taste: sweet, balanced, smooth, with honey and nutty notes.
Aftertaste: orange-floral, with a smoky hint and a sherry plume.
Spey Royal Choice
The pearl of the Spey collection. Whiskey rich golden color with a creamy silky texture.
Aroma: warm, with accents of toffee, spices and oak.
Taste: juicy, smooth, thick, with hints of wheat and toffee, lingering creamy plume. Sold in a stylish leather case.
The fortress is common for all drinks, with the exception of “Chairman’s Choice”, and is 46%.
A separate series includes limited releases. The cost of such molts varies from 50 to 1 thousand dollars.
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Relevance: 01.06.2019
Tags: Whiskey and bourbon, Scotch brands