We commence this outturn over in Elgin with a Glen Moray which was laid down in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel in October of 1995 and matured for 24 years.
Nose: Fresh, lively and all quite floral – orange marmalade and lychee sit with palpable Turkish delight (rose water, petals and hips) whilst potpourri is scattered into a polished oak bowl. Desiccated coconut and freshly rolled pastry are joined by sweet and tangy cherries and berries. The addition of water offers up quiche jelly together with freshly baked buns and maple-glazed waffles.
Taste: More reclined on the arrival – mango and guava juice alongside orange and tangerine zest. Lime juice provides a lift, whilst a kick of swirling pepperiness and coconut shavings speak to the ex-bourbon cask. Charred cask heads and orange preserves are joined by dark chocolate torte and a well-polished vintage table. Reduction expresses even more orange-led flavours – mandarin, clementine and jaffa together with candied lime peels and pineapple upside down cake.
Finish: Medium to long with sweet fruitiness lingering tempered by persisting char.
This Glen Moray is rather the epitome of single cask philosophy – it feels bottled not only because it’s deliciously composed, but also because in some ways it’s quite divergent from the distillate’s ‘norms’. There’s all too many single casks which nose and taste almost indistinguishably from each other. This is not one of those. Bright and floral on the nose, relaxed, fruity and elegant on the palate. That this whisky also takes dilution well marks it out further. Recommended.