Alexander Murray Glentauchers 17 Year Old 1996

Just outside the Chivas stronghold of Keith on the road to Craigellachie sits the Glentauchers distillery, whose stillhouse jumps up like a pop-up book on the way. Although just outside the stronghold, Glentauchers is not to be overlooked, as its spirit is key to blending program of its owners.

Its pear-shaped copper stills, distinctly visible form the road, produce a distinctly fruity spirit with an almost wine-like viscosity. Relatively long fermentation and slow distillation at play here.

Built in 1898 by Charles Doig & Sons, Glentauchers was ideally situated on a main road, with a healthy water source, green surroundings and even a railway line adjacent.

Today it remains a key player for multiple blended whisky brands, and is rarely seen as a single malt whisky.