Whisky Review/Tasting: Kininvie 17 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Kininvie Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled in a small facility with metal roofs and walls, using six copper stills. Fermentation and maturation occur using the equipment of neighboring distilleries, Balvenie and Glenfiddich. Matured in 80% American oak and 20% sherry casks.
Age Statement: 17 years old.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the use of American oak and sherry casks suggests a color that could range from golden to amber.
Bottle Design: Comes in a 35cl bottle (half a bottle size), with batch number 1, 42.6% ABV, and bottle number 11,950 indicating a significant production volume for a single batch.

Balance of Flavors: A harmonious blend of fresh fruit notes, deep vanilla sweetness, and a characteristic floral note that is accentuated with a little water.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky exhibits a beautifully sweet, buttery vanilla and slightly spicy taste, with a long and lingering finish that has a notable sweetness.
Comparison: Described as a real Speyside whisky, indicating it shares characteristics typical of this region, such as fruitiness and a certain smoothness.

Distillery Background: Kininvie Distillery, owned by William Grant & Sons (known for Glenfiddich and Balvenie), was established to provide malt whiskies for the company's blends. It was first opened in July 1990 by Janet Shett Roberts, the granddaughter of William Grant.
Production Insights: The distillery was specifically built to support the production needs of William Grant & Sons, showcasing the industry's shift towards self-sufficiency in creating distinct whisky profiles.

Geographical Context: Nestled in the Conval Hills of Dufftown, one of Speyside's most important and historic distilling areas. The distillery plays a role in the storied whisky-producing region of Speyside, known for its exceptional single malts.

"What a wonderful secret they kept." - Reflecting on the distillery's relatively low profile and the surprise of releasing a 17-year-old whisky as its first official bottling.
"A whisky that exudes dedication and passion." - Highlighting the craftsmanship and care that goes into producing Kininvie whisky.

Kininvie 17 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, matured in a mix of American oak and sherry casks.
It offers a balanced flavor profile with fresh fruit notes, deep vanilla sweetness, and a characteristic floral note.
The distillery was established by William Grant & Sons as part of a strategic move to support their blended whisky production.
Kininvie holds a unique place in Speyside's whisky heritage, representing both innovation and tradition in Scotch whisky production.
The whisky is appreciated for its dedication to quality and the intriguing story of its relatively hidden distillery.

Speyside Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the typical characteristics of Speyside whiskies will likely enjoy Kininvie 17 years for its fruitiness and smoothness.
Collectors and Connoisseurs: Given its unique backstory, limited production, and being one of the first official bottlings, it's a must-try for collectors and connoisseurs.
Whisky Adventurers: Individuals looking to explore lesser-known distilleries with a rich connection to the industry's history and production intricacies.