{"title":"Speyside Whisky","description":"\u003cp\u003eSpeyside represents the beating heart of Scotland’s whisky industry, playing host to some of its most recognisable whiskies in the form of Glenfiddich, the Glenlivet and the Macallan. The region is also a concentrated hotbed of distilleries, focused on supplying whisky for the majority of blended Scotches that dominate the international market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday there are over 50 distilleries stretching from Speyside near Kingussie to Inchgower in the Northeast. It’s a region that caters for great diversity but the majority of these distilleries produce spirit that is light, sweet, refined and layered with gentle characteristics that are prized by blenders. Whilst Speyside occupies a modest chunk of Scotland, its distilleries are amongst some of the oldest with many having roots in illicit distilling such as the Glenlivet, which occupies a site amidst a romantic windswept Scottish environment far removed from the powers of Westminster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe area is dissected by the fast flowing River Spey that weaves its way across 107 miles of wilderness before reaching the Moray Firth. Water is a vital resource for whisky production and the River Spey is a fertile breeding ground for salmon. Nowadays it is the tributaries that connect to the Spey that are utilised for whisky including names such as the Rivers Fiddich, Livet and Lossie. Rain is tomorrow’s whisky and this network of lochs, rivers and mountains means that water shortages are rare unlike other distilleries that may only rely on a single isolated water source such as Talisker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the arrival of the Excise Act in 1823 and the ability to become a legal distillery for a license fee and tariff on each gallon produced, many illicit distillers or budding entrepreneurs established themselves as distillers. In total 16 took up the challenge and sought out a new opportunity with 9 of these fledgling distilleries still in operation today such as Cardhu. Moving from illicit stills towards farm distilleries or onto the edges of towns where natural resources were still at hand. A major factor was the arrival of the railway in the 1850’s that connected many distilleries to a network that reached south and removed the arduous trek across the Highlands. This explains the concentration of distilleries around the main towns of the region with the majority found within the triangle of Dufftown, Keith and Rothes. Within this area are names such as Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Glen Grant, Mortlach and Strathisla, making it a popular destination and whisky tourism being a major employer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA journey through Speyside is very much an experience of Scotland’s whisky heritage. Turning off the A9 at Aviemore you’re about to follow the Malt Whisky Trail via the picturesque A95, passing by the epic splendour of Tormore distillery that sits on the edge of the region. As you edge closer to the heart of Speyside, Ballindalloch plays host to a promising new comer and a distillery to watch out for; whilst the historic Cragganmore awaits nearby. The town of Aberlour greets you with its distillery and Glenfarclas nearby. A central hub, it marks the entry point to a cluster of distillery signs pointing you in all directions across Speyside. Literally it feels as if around each corner there is another distillery to discover and visit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith so many distilleries across the region, many are not open to the public. These tend to the faithful producing types that mainly go into blends and have very little if any single malt presence. Falling into this camp are names such as Allt-a-Bhainne, Dufftown, Knochando, Tamnavulin and many more besides. However annually the Spirit of Speyside Festival encourages such normally closed distilleries to throw open their doors with special tours and events held across the region. The event towards the end of April is a major tourist attraction and offers a combination of whisky, fine food, local crafts and plenty of enthusiasm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bountiful whisky history means that there are several famous closed distilleries across the region. Dallas Dhu is today operated by Historic Scotland for the nation and is preserved as it was from the 1980’s for you to explore, also fallen include Coleburn, Convalmore and the demolished Imperial. Benromach owned by Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail is a revived distillery with a passion for producing an older style of whisky. The town of Elgin harbours a clutch of distilleries including the rarely seen Miltonduff, the affordable and varied Glen Moray and the overlooked Glenlossie. Other distilleries worth experiencing via the independent bottlers include the prized Aultmore and the forever impressive Glentauchers. These mainly go into blends but single cask releases can be wonderful. It’s a momentous challenge to write an introduction to Speyside as it offers so much variety and a consistent emphasis on quality. It’s a region that offers diversity, distilling heritage, a passion for whisky and the Scottish perfection of its national drink.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"kininvie-hazelwood-centennial-reserve-20-year-old","title":"Hazelwood Centennial Reserve 20 Year Old","description":"Hazelwood Centennial Reserve is a blend of one hundred specially selected casks in celebration of the one hundredth birthday of Janet Sheed Roberts. This bottling was a limited edition of 2001 bottles and was given out to selected staff members.","brand":"Kininvie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36648795930785,"sku":"AW00813","price":470.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/products\/aw00813-hazelwood-centennial-reserve_8.jpg?v=1602547193"},{"product_id":"anon-batch-3-30-year-old-1988-aw02870","title":"Anon. Batch 3 - 30 Year Old - 1988 | AW Exclusive","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 3rd edition of Anon. and the oldest release to date. Distilled in 1988 at a distillery well known for sherry cask maturation, this rare single malt Scotch whisky was matured in cask for over 30 years. The liquid is tremendous. Oh, how we wish we could disclose the distillery...But we can't, that's the whole point - Anon. Peter Herron back on the pen for this new look label and what a fantastic job, the detail is incredible. 153 bottles filled at cask strength, 46.6% vol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRated 90 Points - Serge, whiskyfun.com\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Abbey Whisky","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36650007756961,"sku":"AW02870","price":498.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/products\/anon-batch-3-glenrothes-30-year-old-web.jpg?v=1602557316"},{"product_id":"glenallachie-12-year-old-2008-cask-667-aw-exclusive","title":"GlenAllachie 12 Year Old - 2008 | Cask 667 | AW Exclusive","description":"\u003cp\u003eFollowing on from our exclusive Daftmill release, we're delighted to introduce the latest Abbey Whisky exclusive, a truly exceptional single malt from GlenAllachie distillery. Billy Walker and his team have done incredible work producing some cracking drams over recent years and we're incredibly proud to put our name to this single cask bottling, which in our humble opinion, is a beaut!  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GlenAllachie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37614359052483,"sku":"AW03144","price":195.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/glenallachie-cask-667-aw-exclusive_99a58af2-eedc-49e8-b368-e97303a54120.jpg?v=1722637638"},{"product_id":"miltonduff-10-year-old-2011-cask-800531-the-coopers-choice","title":"Miltonduff 10 Year Old - 2011 | Cask 800531 | The Cooper's Choice","description":"Distilled in 2011, this independent single cask Miltonduff has been fully matured for 10 years in a fresh bourbon barrel. Bottled in 2021 by independent Scotch whisky botters, The Vintage Malt Whisky Co for The Cooper's Choice series. 228 bottles filled at 56.5% vol.","brand":"The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40991040962755,"sku":"AW03502","price":73.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/products\/miltonduff-2011-cask-800531.jpg?v=1634595422"},{"product_id":"glenallachie-8-year-old-scottish-virgin-oak-batch-3","title":"GlenAllachie 8 Year Old - Scottish Virgin Oak | Batch 3","description":"\u003cp\u003eReleased as part of the third batch in the Virgin Oak Series, this limited release of single malt GlenAllachie was initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels then given additional maturation for around 18 months in Scottish virgin oak casks. The casks have been crafted from Sessile Oak (Quercus Petraea) which grows on the west coast of Scotland. Scottish oak is expensive and is said to be challenging to work with, so this type of wood maturation is very rarely seen, so a very exciting and rare release once again from Billy Walker and his team at GlenAllachie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GlenAllachie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44018071011547,"sku":"AW04042","price":64.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/products\/glenallachie-8-year-old-scottish-oak-virgin-oak-2023.jpg?v=1679342602"},{"product_id":"benromach-contrasts-air-dried-virgin-oak-2012-2023","title":"Benromach Contrasts: Air Dried Virgin Oak (2012-2023)","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of two limited edition releases from Benromach distillery, released under the excellent 'Contrasts' series. This released was distilled in 2012 and matured in air dried virgin oak casks for 10 years. Bottled in 2023, the other limited edition whisky was matured in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.abbeywhisky.com\/products\/benromach-contrasts-kiln-dried-virgin-oak-2012-2023\" title=\"Benromach Contrasts: Kiln Dried Virgin Oak (2012-2023)\"\u003ekiln dried virgin oak\u003c\/a\u003e casks, so would be a fascinating comparison to sit down and compare how each maturation style has changed the flavour profile whilst in cask.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Benromach","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44208619258075,"sku":"AW04153","price":58.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/benromach-contrasts-air-dried-oak.jpg?v=1691532170"},{"product_id":"glenrothes-2006-single-cask-5469-10cl-bottle","title":"Glenrothes 2006 - Single Cask 5469 | 10cl Bottle","description":"Originally bottled to mark our 10th anniversary, this single cask Glenrothes from 2006 quickly became a standout favourite. Now available in an elegant 10cl format, it's the perfect way to revisit (or discover) this memorable dram — or share it with someone who appreciates a truly special whisky.","brand":"Glenrothes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55486691213685,"sku":"AW04664","price":24.98,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/glenrothes-10-year-old-cask-5469-aw-exclusive.jpg?v=1749761146"},{"product_id":"longmorn-28-year-old-whiskyland-chapter-21","title":"Longmorn 28 Year Old - 199 | Whiskyland Chapter 21","description":"\u003cp\u003eDistilled at Longmorn Distillery in 1996 and matured for 28 years in a single plain oak hogshead, this remarkable bottling forms Chapter 21 in the Whiskyland series from Decadent Drinks. Bottled at natural cask strength (54.2% ABV) and limited to just 155 bottles, it offers a beautifully pure expression of well aged Speyside spirit. Extended maturation has yielded a whisky full of orchard and exotic fruits, honeyed sweetness and gentle floral notes, with depth and freshness in perfect balance. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA vivid, elegant Longmorn, showcasing both the finesse of the distillery and the considered cask selection that defines Decadent Drinks’ Whiskyland series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePRE-ORDER - FURTHER STOCK ON ROUTE\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Decadent Drinks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56192323420533,"sku":"AW04766","price":350.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/longmorn-28-year-old-whiskyland-chapter-twenty-one.jpg?v=1763068475"},{"product_id":"glen-grant-30-year-old-whiskyland-chapter-22","title":"Glen Grant 30 Year Old | Whiskyland Chapter 22","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe twenty second release in Decadent Drinks’ Whiskyland series brings together two beautifully mature casks of Glen Grant, a 1993 refill barrel and a 1995 first-fill sherry hogshead, married at a natural strength of 46.8%. This 30 year old Speyside single malt brims with luscious old style sherry richness, layered with notes of Madeira cake, dark chocolate, hessian and aged wine, all wrapped in that unmistakable Glen Grant elegance. A whisper of warehouse must and prune liqueur adds depth and nostalgic charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottled from just 177 bottles, this is a rare and gracefully aged Glen Grant that captures the spirit of traditional Speyside maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePRE-ORDER - FURTHER STOCK ON ROUTE\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Decadent Drinks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56401795613045,"sku":"AW04799","price":465.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/glen-grant-30-year-old-whiskyland-chapter-22-new.jpg?v=1765320336"},{"product_id":"cragganmore-36-year-old-1989-whiskyland-chapter-24","title":"Cragganmore 36 Year Old - 1989 | Whiskyland Chapter 24","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautifully mature Speyside single malt and a standout release in the Whiskyland series. Distilled in 1989 and matured for its entire life in a refill hogshead, this 36 year old Cragganmore was bottled at 51.9% ABV, with just 126 bottles released. Luxuriously waxy and warming, it unfolds with layers of beeswax and honey, followed by notes of pine resin, camphor and gentle mineral oil, all underpinned by a subtle leathery depth. Elegant, composed and deeply expressive, it’s a superb example of well aged Speyside malt handled with restraint and confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA whisky that rewards time and attention, and one that perfectly captures the tactile, old-school character Whiskyland does so well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePRE-ORDER: FURTHER STOCK ON ROUTE\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Decadent Drinks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56530949964149,"sku":"AW04820","price":795.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/cragganmore-36-year-old-1989-whiskyland-chapter-24-new.jpg?v=1768313227"},{"product_id":"glenlitigious-12-year-old-2013-equinox-solstice-winter-edition-2025","title":"Glenlitigious 12 Year Old - 2013 | Equinox \u0026 Solstice Winter Edition 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor the Winter 2025 release, Decadent Drinks selected a single first fill sherry hogshead of Speyside single malt, affectionately known as Glenlitigious. Filled in 2013 and bottled at a perfectly judged 48.5% ABV, this is a whisky shaped very much with the colder months in mind. Rich, darkly fruity and deeply comforting, it’s a classic fireside dram.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect layers of marmalade, mulled wine and spiced brown sugar, followed by notes of marzipan, leather and gentle winter warmth that linger long after the last sip. Limited to just 243 bottles, it’s a composed, seasonal Speyside malt, ideal for slow evenings and reflective pours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePRE-ORDER: STOCK ON ROUTE\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Decadent Drinks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56566832922997,"sku":"AW04825","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/Glenlitigious-12-Year-Old-_-Equinox-_-Solstice-Winter-Edition-2025.jpg?v=1769536826"},{"product_id":"imperial-27-year-old-1997-whiskyland-chapter-27","title":"Imperial 27 Year Old - 1997 | Whiskyland Chapter 27","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare release from the lost Speyside distillery Imperial, bottled by Decadent Drinks as part of their Whiskyland series. Distilled in 1997 and matured for 27 years in a refill barrel, this well aged single malt was bottled at natural cask strength, 49.8% ABV. Imperial’s spirit has long been prized for its waxy texture and understated elegance, qualities that come through clearly here after nearly three decades in cask. There’s a quiet confidence to this whisky, shaped by time rather than wood and reflective of a distillery style that can no longer be replicated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith just 155 bottles produced, this is a finite opportunity to experience mature Imperial at a point where age and distillery character are in complete harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePre-order\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Decadent Drinks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56675908747637,"sku":"AW04841","price":495.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/imperial-27-year-old-1997-whiskyland-chapter-27-aw.jpg?v=1771281461"},{"product_id":"macallan-speymalt-18-year-old-2007-cask-14479-g-m","title":"Macallan Speymalt 18 Year Old - 2007 | Cask 14479 | (G\u0026M)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe second of two Speymalt single casks released in early 2026 by Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail. This 18 year old Macallan was distilled in 2007 and matured in a refill sherry hogshead, then bottled at 55.9% ABV, with only 234 bottles drawn from cask #14479. A limited, natural strength and luxurious Speyside single malt from the long running and highly regarded Speymalt series.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gordon \u0026 MacPhail","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56704674038133,"sku":"AW04850","price":220.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/macallan-speymalt-18-year-old-2007-cask-14479-g-m.jpg?v=1770323187"},{"product_id":"sideburn-29-year-old-1994-1996-decadent-drams","title":"Sideburn 29 Year Old - (1994 \u0026 1996) | Decadent Drams","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis latest release from Decadent Drams is a 29 year old blended malt originating from William Grant. Drawn from two casks, a v.94 refill hogshead and a v.96 refill hogshead, the whiskies were married together in cask for over a year before bottling. Reduced slightly to 53% ABV and limited to 201 bottles, this is a beautifully mature dram showing a supremely honeyed, waxy and fruity character, full of old style Speyside charm. A refined and elegant example of well aged malt whisky from a much admired source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePRE-ORDER\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Decadent Drinks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56801935688053,"sku":"AW04866","price":244.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/sideburn-29-year-old-1994-1996-decadent-drams.jpg?v=1772236265"},{"product_id":"benrinnes-28-year-old-1997-decadent-drams","title":"Benrinnes 28 Year Old - 1997 | Decadent Drams","description":"\u003cp\u003eDistilled in 1997 and bottled at 28 years old, this Benrinnes is a single cask release from Decadent Drams, drawn from a 1st fill sherry hogshead. Bottled at natural cask strength, 53.0% ABV, with just 220 bottles produced, this is a full bodied, deeply sherried Speyside malt and very much a proper sherry bomb, exactly the kind of cask this distillery can carry so well at this age. A bold, characterful single cask from a distillery well suited to rich sherry maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePRE-ORDER\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Decadent Drinks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56989372514677,"sku":"AW04880","price":350.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/benrinnes-28-year-old-1997-decadent-drams.jpg?v=1775593461"},{"product_id":"mortlach-20-year-old-2005-decadent-drams","title":"Mortlach 20 Year Old - 2005 | Decadent Drams","description":"\u003cp\u003eDistilled in 2005 and bottled at 20 years old, this Mortlach is a single cask release from Decadent Drams, drawn from a 1st fill barrel. Bottled at natural cask strength, 55.7% ABV, with just 174 bottles produced, this is a focused and characterful Speyside single malt, showcasing the distillery through a single cask at full maturity. A well aged Mortlach from a carefully selected cask.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePRE-ORDER\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Decadent Drinks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56989418619253,"sku":"AW04881","price":235.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/mortlach-20-year-old-2005-decadent-drams.jpg?v=1775595087"},{"product_id":"glenallachie-11-year-old-palo-cortado-the-wood-collection","title":"GlenAllachie 11 Year Old - Palo Cortado | The Wood Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003ePalo Cortado is one of the rarest styles of Sherry, born when the 'flor' yeast layer naturally dies on a wine initially intended to become a Fino, the result is a uniquely complex cask that bridges the dryness of Fino with the nutty, darker fruit richness of Oloroso. Matured for eleven years in Palo Cortado puncheons and hogsheads, this expression delivers beautifully layered notes of ripe plums, dark mocha and warming cinnamon spice. Bottled at 48% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered, the full character of this exceptional cask finish is allowed to speak for itself.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GlenAllachie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57107590152565,"sku":"AW04896","price":59.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/awaiting-image-blank-bottle-aw_21d05cd1-b9a3-407f-88b9-15805b7d7b7c.jpg?v=1777413607"},{"product_id":"meikle-toir-2021-first-fill-px-single-cask-9851","title":"Meikle Toir 2021 | First Fill PX - Single Cask #9851","description":"Distilled in 2021 and matured in a single First Fill Pedro Ximénez cask, this rare single cask expression is part of Meikle Tòir — GlenAllachie's celebrated peated Speyside range, hand-crafted by Master Distiller Billy Walker. Bottled at a formidable 64.5% ABV and 52 PPM, this is bold, unapologetic whisky; the sweet, raisin-drenched intensity of First Fill PX weaving seamlessly through the rich mainland smoke for which Meikle Tòir has already earned a passionate following.","brand":"GlenAllachie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57110209659253,"sku":"AW04897","price":74.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/files\/awaiting-image-blank-bottle-aw_2885ecbd-a845-468e-90ff-ff31f0fafed3.jpg?v=1777415413"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0471\/7903\/8881\/collections\/48aa236a55378e2b592a18269605a854.jpg?v=1602545878","url":"https:\/\/www.abbeywhisky.com\/collections\/speyside\/age_4.oembed","provider":"Abbey Whisky","version":"1.0","type":"link"}