cascode
Spey River Bourbon Cask Finish
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed
March 17, 2021 (edited May 5, 2022)
Nose: Musky, floral maltiness, sandalwood sawdust. There is an earthy, grassy, hay-like note.
Palate: Sweet and fruity arrival, a very light touch of malty spice in the development and some mild white pepper towards the finish. The texture is good.
Finish: Medium/short. Fruity, trailing out to spicy/sweet notes.
This is a young malt, I’d guess maybe 4-5 years old at most. It tastes like new-make that has had just the briefest kiss from a cask and it lacks the character that comes with maturity. However the new-make was of good quality and it’s an easy-to-drink dram. There is a sweetness to it but it’s crisp, grassy and more like barley-sugar than syrup.
You won't find Spey River distillery on any map or tourist route because it doesn't exist. Spey River is a brand name owned by Quality Spirits International and is one of several such brands they produce.
Brands like this only serve two purposes. They are either a way to offload surplus stock and experimental barrels, or else they are a way to market very young spirit without any association with a major brand name.
I can tell you with certainty that QSI is a subsidiary of William Grant & Sons and they only distribute spirits made by WG&S distilleries, so the consistency and quality is going to be pretty good. This is most likely very young teaspooned Glenfiddich or Kininvie, but whatever it is the quality is there and it's good value at the price.
Tasted from a 30ml sample (thank you @KT66)
"Above Average" : 82/100 (3.25 stars)
47.0
AUD
per
Bottle
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