I don’t think I’ve ever tried Glen Moray 18 Years before. Somehow I’m mostly picking up their prolific series of experimental finishes. The Chardonnay Cask, Cider Cask, Tokaji, Rhum Agricole, etc. The 18 Year Old is much more classic, as it is matured in first fill American oak casks.
It was TWE’s Whisky of the Year tasting set that drew my attention to this Glen Moray. Although it didn’t win the award, I was eager to see why it ended up in this list.
Glen Moray 18 yo (47,2%, OB +/- 2022)
Nose: vibrant, with a malty base, biscuity notes, vanilla and a basket of juicy pear and red apples. Later some apricot jam and nice pineapple comes out as well. Orange peels and honey. Subtle whiffs of oak polish. It’s on the lighter, sweeter side of the spectrum and quite attractive.
Mouth: quite aromatic, with a similar sweetness. Vanilla, sultanas, hints of cake and barley sugars. Then it becomes slightly more tangy, with hints of candied ginger and orange marmalade. A floral / fragrant touch as well. Hints of milk chocolate towards the end.
Finish: gone too quickly considering its age, with more ginger and cinnamon, as well as panettone and light cocoa.
A classic Speyside profile, pretty faultless indeed but not very exciting either. Maybe not a true contender for the Whisky of the Year award in my opinion. Even when you’re on a strict budget. Overall this is rather uncomplicated whisky that is easy to drink. Available from The Whisky Exchange for instance (also samples available).