12 Years

Speyside Distillery opened in 1990 but remained obscure until John Harvey McDonough acquired it in 2012—a defining moment that transformed an overlooked site in Kingussie into a serious single malt producer and launched the SPEY brand.

This 12-year-old is lightly peated, built on peated bourbon casks with two sherry hogsheads added for depth. The result is classically Speyside—soft and fruity—but with a subtle smoky edge that sets it apart from the region's mainstream.

On the nose: green pears, apples, and freshly cut grass, with honey and light citrus notes. The palate is sweet without cloying, with balanced malty character and hints of caramel and vanilla. The finish is smooth, with a gentle smoky undertone that lingers without dominating.