Whisky Review/Tasting: Spey 18 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially, the distillery exclusively used sherry casks for maturation. The whisky is matured in fresh sherry casks, likely Oloroso, based on the color description.
Age Statement: 18 years.
ABV: 46%.
Color and Clarity: The whisky is described as having a color that suggests it was matured in Oloroso sherry casks. It is uncolored and non-chill filtered.
Bottle Design: The bottle is noted for its exquisite design, including a thick glass bottom, indicating a high-quality presentation. It is a limited edition with only 1,500 bottles available, with this specific bottle being number 96 out of 1,236.

General Flavors: Strong sherry influence, with a fruity and old sherry character. Additional notes of caramel, vanilla, sweet fruits, honey, and red oranges are mentioned.
Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a complex balance of sweetness from the sherry, fruitiness, and a light spiciness with a hint of bitterness from the oak. A remembrance of smokiness is attributed to the European oak used, despite the absence of actual smoke in the production process.
Unique Characteristics: The slight hint of smokiness, despite no smoke being used in the distillation process, is a standout characteristic. This is attributed to the aromatic flavors from the European oak.

Production History: The Speyside Distillery has been in production since 1990, with the first casks from the early years already sold to generate cash flow. The distillery initially used only sherry casks due to their affordability compared to the rising costs of sherry casks in recent years.
Limited Availability: This 18-year-old whisky is a limited edition, with most bottles destined for Asian markets, specifically Taiwan and China.

Speyside Region: The whisky embodies the traditional Speyside characteristics of rich fruitiness and complexity, influenced by the exclusive use of sherry casks in its early years.
Economic Factors: The narrative touches on the economic aspects of whisky production, such as the rising costs of sherry casks and the abundance of ex-bourbon casks due to American laws.

"Dangerously good." - This quote captures the host's high regard for the whisky's quality and enjoyability.
The host reflects on the value of the whisky, considering its uncolored, non-chill filtered nature, and maturation in 100% fresh sherry casks, suggesting it might be worth the investment for enthusiasts.

Spey 18 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Speyside Distillery, matured in fresh sherry casks, likely Oloroso.
It features a complex flavor profile with strong sherry influence, sweetness, fruitiness, and a hint of smokiness attributed to the European oak.
The whisky is a limited edition, with a significant portion of its production destined for Asian markets.
The distillery's history, including its initial exclusive use of sherry casks and the economic considerations of cask selection, adds depth to the whisky's story.
The host praises the whisky's quality and suggests it offers good value for its price, especially for those who appreciate the nuances of sherry cask maturation.

Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy the rich, fruity, and complex profiles typical of sherry cask-aged whiskies will find the Spey 18 years particularly appealing.
Collectors: Given its limited availability and unique bottle design, collectors looking for rare or exclusive bottles might be interested in acquiring it.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Those with a developed palate for nuanced flavors, including the subtle hint of smokiness from the European oak, will appreciate the depth of this whisky.