SPEY 12 Year Old Brume Dorée Cask Strength
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
57.6% ABV / RRP: £70.00

The Speyside Distillery’s impending transition into the realm of ‘lost distilleries’ is not a cause for lament, but a celebration of its legacy — a small, meticulous craft operation, award winning at that, whose spirit has embodied the graceful character of Speyside. Nestled in the foothills of the Cairngorms and guided by traditional methods, it’s earned a reputation for producing elegant, fruit-forward single malts with a genuine sense of place and purpose.

Their SPEY single malt range – which in my opinion is absolutely outstanding – comprised of a variety of peated, non-peated, cask strength and bottle strength releases, not only consistently showcases the quality of their spirit but also reflects the dedication, skill and ingenuity behind their cask management.

Their recently released 12 Year Old Brume Dorée Cask Strength begins its journey in ex-Bourbon barrels, developing a clean, fruit-driven backbone, before being matured further in hand-selected Brume Dorée French virgin oak casks from the renowned Tonnellerie Quintessence. This meticulous finishing imparts richness and aromatic complexity while perfectly preserving the classic SPEY signature style.

Nose: Bright, warm and inviting. Gingerbread and spiced baked apples lead, joined by vanilla custard slices, demerara sugar and soft toffee. Blackberry jam, ripe orchard fruits, strawberry laces and malty barley broaden the profile, while the French oak layers in a subtle toasted spice that ties it all together.

Palate: Silky, full, vividly fruity at terrifically tame at cask strength. Stewed autumn fruits and creamy caramel form the core, with pineapple cubes and fizzy cherry-cola bottles adding playful sweetness. Mixed spice, anise, sweet oak and a lively lift of mixed citrus peel build toward a confident, balanced crescendo.

Finish: Long, lush and gently spiced, with lingering oak, creamy caramel, dried fruits and a touch of ginger infused malt.

Summary: A beautifully balanced and charismatically characterful sensory story, this latest SPEY expression is a shining example of the distillery’s dedication to creativity and craftsmanship. The French oak casks add depth, richness and aromatic complexity, resulting in a luxuriously textured dram that showcases the distinctive style and charm of this Speyside gem. Without doubt or hesitation, I’d have to say this is one of my top five drams of the year!

While the Speyside Distillery itself may be transitioning into a ‘lost distillery’, there are exciting developments afoot for the SPEY brand and its parent company over the coming months and years. So, keep your eyes peeled!