12 years Old 200 Year Anniversary Edition (700 ml) (Limited Edition)

In 1824, George Smith accepted a legal licence under the newly enacted Excise Act — a decision that made him a target of illicit rivals but established the founding reference point for Speyside whisky. His deliberate choice to build a lighter, cleaner spirit broke from the heavy drams of the era and defined a regional style that endures today. The Minmore Farm distillery sits high above the River Livet, fed by Josie's Well, a natural mountain spring descending from the surrounding hills; the elevation and cool, damp dunnage conditions slow maturation and preserve the distillate's inherent delicacy across more than 65,000 casks held on site. Fermentation runs approximately 48 hours in wooden washbacks — retained despite higher maintenance cost specifically for the floral, estery lift they contribute. Double distillation through 14 lantern-shaped copper pot stills with pinched waists and long narrow necks maximises reflux; the heart cut is held to roughly 18–20% of total distillate, stripping heads and tails to yield a purer, lighter new-make. The 12-year maturation draws on ex-bourbon American oak and European oak casks, building vanilla and orchard-fruit character without sherry dominance. What distinguishes this anniversary release within the core range is its commemorative framing of the 200-year legal milestone — the expression that started the Speyside template, bottled at the bicentennial. Bottled at 40% ABV, chill-filtered; drink now through the near term.