Maltbarn - Glen Spey 29 Year Old 1995 The 26 #16

Glen Spey

Glen Spey was founded in 1878 in the town of Rothes and was originally named Mill of Rothes. It was later acquired by London-based spirits merchant W&A Gilbey and renamed. Primarily producing malt for blending, it is a key source for J&B Scotch. Its still setup is similar to Glen Grant’s and includes purifiers, resulting in a light spirit with delicate oiliness and nutty undertones.

Though most of its output is destined for blends, Glen Spey has had rare official single malt releases, such as the Flora & Fauna bottling in 2001, which showcased a clean, soft profile with nutty character. This quiet but technically solid distillery plays a behind-the-scenes role in sustaining quality blends and adds to the diversity of the Speyside whisky landscape.

Maltbarn

Maltbarn is an independent bottling brand founded by German whisky enthusiast and photographer Martin Diekmann, focusing on selecting and bottling high-quality single cask whiskies. Unlike commercially driven brands, Maltbarn emphasizes personal taste and integrity—Martin only bottles what he truly loves. This selective and honest approach has earned the brand a loyal following among seasoned collectors.

In addition to Scotch whisky, Maltbarn also bottles Cognac and rum, consistently upholding its standards of quality and transparent labeling. The minimalist bottle design often features Martin’s own nature or animal photography, reflecting the brand’s deep appreciation for natural purity. Each release is not just a bottle of spirit, but a thoughtful interpretation of terroir and time.