Glen Spey 8 Years Old (1980s )
75cl / 40%
£249.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
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A rare 1980s bottling of the Speyside single malt, offering a light, clean, and classic distillery character that predates modern focus.
1. Historical Context
1.1 Naming & Era Signals
This bottling is a straight Distillery Bottling of Glen Spey Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The 1980s saw this 8 Year Old expression marketed as an accessible introduction to the Speyside style, though the vast majority of the distillery's production during this time was destined for blending.
1.2 Ownership & Production Era
The Glen Spey Distillery was founded in 1878. During the 1980s, the distillery was owned by Diageo, the current owner. Its strategic role was primarily that of a blend component, contributing single malt to major Diageo blends. Single malt bottlings of Glen Spey, especially those released at 8 years old, were considered rare and secondary to its blending function. The distillery has an operational capacity of approximately 1.5 million litres per annum.
2. Technical Specification & Variant Map
2.1 Documented Variants (Strength/Volume/Market)
The 8 Year Old expression from this era is typically encountered with the following specifications:
- Strength: 40% ABV.
- Volume: 75cl (standard international size).
- Market: Distillery Bottling, primarily released to international and enthusiast markets.
Pricing Stratification Note: An important distinction for collectors of this specific vintage relates to the closure. Two main versions exist: those sealed with a cork stopper and those using a screwcap. The version sealed with a cork stopper is noted by specialists as the more desirable of the two variants.
2.2 Packaging & Authenticity Checklist
This bottling is defined as an Original Distillery Bottling. Collectors should note the distinction between the screwcap and cork-stopper versions, with the cork-stopper variant being the favoured acquisition. As an older bottling, bottles may contain naturally occurring lipids or cask-related sediment, which is considered normal and does not affect the liquid's taste if consumed.
2.3 Regulatory/Terminology Notes
The liquid is a single malt Scotch whisky, but is confirmed to contain colouring. The majority of single malt produced at Glen Spey is unpeated.
3. Liquid Profile
Nose: Opens fresh and clean, leading into a buttery, vanilla quality.
Palate: Opens with a gristy sweet character, developing into a sweetly spiced fruit tart. Hints at subtle complexities at the heart of the malt.
Finish: Concludes to a slightly dry finish with an orange pith tang. Surprisingly long and slightly dusty.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
4. Pricing & Market Dynamics
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): £275.00 – £350.00 (for the $75$cl, $40\%$ ABV, cork stopper version).
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): £24.00 – £270.00. (Note: The wide range reflects variability in bottle size, auction type, and specific bottling variant/condition).
Pricing stratification (if variants exist): Pricing is heavily influenced by the closure type, with the cork-stopper version commanding the higher end of the valuation.
Liquidity & sourcing note: This is an extremely rare vintage bottling, with limited availability on the secondary market; prices are highly dependent on auction competitiveness and retailer sourcing difficulty.
5. Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Glen Spey is a Speyside distillery established in 1878, currently owned by Diageo. The distillery primarily uses Bourbon barrels and hogsheads for maturation. Its production focus has historically been on supplying malt whisky for blended Scotch brands, meaning single malt bottlings, particularly old age-stated releases, are scarce and highly sought-after by enthusiasts.
