Over to Speyside for a 22 year old Glen Moray that’s been matured in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel. Juicy, Oak & Vanilla profile.
Nose: Fruity, nutty and herbal. Opening with apples (both fresh and toffee-covered), this quickly reveals flans, pies and pastries alongside crystalline ginger and a healthy dusting of nutmeg. Deeper, there are some concentrated herbal aromas – pine certainly, but also nettles and fresh blades of grass. In the background some walnuts and oakiness. Water amps up the herbalness further adding some reeds and birch sap.
Taste: Oooo deliciousness. Toffee apples again, but now with brown sugars and freshly made toast. Spicing is well judged and brings both ginger and a slight hint of pepper. Water makes things a touch sweeter, concentrating the apples and bringing out the cask influence with both vanilla custard and Chantilly cream.
Finish: Medium to long and emphasising ex-bourbon notes – vanilla, oak, creaminess – but also with an very interesting final touch of minerality.
This Glen Moray has a subtle but well-formed nose that doesn’t give away any hints of the riot of concentrated flavours that arrive on the palate. An excellent mix of orchards, bakeries and summer gardens makes for an particularly tasty and well-judged ex-bourbon Speysider. My pick of the month - recommended.