Speyside Distillery has launched its first ever peated single malt Scotch whisky as part of a twin release of new limited edition expressions from the SPEY range.
But while Fumare – which translates from Latin as smoky – will add a different dimension to the portfolio created by the boutique distillery, Trutina is a nod to its traditions.
Trutina also stems from Latin and it signifies something which is balanced and pure. It has been aged in bourbon casks like so many other single malt whiskies which have been produced by Speyside Distillery over the years.
Both expressions are part of a limited release of just 18,000 numbered bottles. Fumare and Trutina, which are both 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and non-coloured, are now available on a limited allocation in the UK and a number of international markets
John Harvey McDonough, chief executive officer of Speyside Distillery, says the twin releases continue the long-association the distillery has with the Romantic poet, Lord Byron.
SPEY released a limited edition of Lord Byron: The Marriage last year to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the poet’s marriage, and Trutina and Fumare celebrate his love of Latin
Mr McDonough adds, “We’ve never before released a malt using our peated barley. We have kept our peated malts sleeping quietly in our maturisation warehouse and have now awoken them to create the beautifully smoky Fumare.
“This is something which is absolutely unique. Because peated whisky is not something that we are known for, it has been interesting to hear the very positive reaction from those who have tasted it.
“We wanted to launch another expression – a twin for Fumare – that would be the polar opposite. Trutina brings that balance and together these new expressions continue our journey at Speyside Distillery.
“We have a long history with Lord Byron, as he gifted whisky, which is thought to have been SPEY, to King George III on the occasion of his marriage. Byron loved the Latin language, and so these expressions are a tribute to that passion.”
The tasting notes for Fumare and Trutina have been written by Charles McLean, one of the country’s foremost experts on Scotch whisky. He describes Fumare as having an appearance of full gold, like vintage champagne
The taste is sweet and lightly salty with a smoky and medicinal finish, with an aftertaste of bonfire smoke. He describes it as having a sweet basil note. It is more-ish, light, elegant and smoky.
Charles describes Trutina as being pale gold in colour – like white wine – with a light nose, with an initial savoury top note on a fruity base. The aroma has developing floral nots with a hint of boiled sweets.
The taste has a light texture: a sweet start then considerable crisp acidity, with scented sweets, and an aftertaste of white chocolate. Charles describes it as a Laura Ashley malt – an elegant and feminine aroma.
