Over to Speyside for a 10 year old Glen Moray drawn from a 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel that was laid down on 26th November 2007. Young & Spritely profile.
Nose: Deserts and flowers. Starting with apple crumble and peach cobbler (both with a generous drizzle of honey), we move into the garden for rose petals, cut grass, honey suckle and hints of potpourri. Reduction adds a sense of creaminess with milk chocolate and vanilla custard. It also unleashes some of the ex-bourbon influence with coconut shavings and ginger spice.
Taste: Plenty sugars on arrival, with orchard fruits (apples and pears) being greeted by toffee and butterscotch sauce. In the mid palate, cracked black pepper and chilli spice builds alongside (surprisingly sweet) earthiness and almonds. The addition of water brings out some oak bitterness – which provides a counterpoint to the sweeter flavours. It also heightens a sense of fizziness – sherbet and champagne bubbles.
Finish: Medium, with drying pepperiness, creamy hot chocolate and moist earthiness.
An expressive, fruity and floral Glen Moray that delivers concise aromas and plenty of peppy spiciness on the palate. An excellent choice for a starter whisky for an autumn evening.