Glen Moray 12 Years Old single malt whisky is part of the premium Elgin Heritage Collection by the Speyside distillery of Glen Moray. This collection of whiskies feature in the core range of single malt whiskies from Glen Moray and all feature age statements. the 12 years old is is entirely aged in selected ex-bourbon American oak casks and bottled at 40% ABV. Expect to pay £40-45 for a 70cl bottle.
The Glen Moray distillery is located on the outskirts of the city of Elgin, next to the River Lossie. The distillery started life as the West Brewery in 1828 and was later converted to become a whisky distillery in 1897. After a slightly chequered early history it is currently owned by the French drinks company La Martiniquaise, who took control in 2008 after buying the distillery from Moet Hennessey.
La Martiniquaise then embarked on a massive expansion programme, which is now complete and has resulted in an annual production capacity of six million litres. This now makes Glen Moray one of the larger distilleries in Speyside. The whisky produced Glen Moray is used for a number of La Martiniquaise’s own blended whiskies, namely Label 5 and Glen Turner, as well as this expanded range of single malts.
The Elgin Heritage Collection are available globally through specialist whisky retailers. They join and the non-age statement Elgin Classic Collection, which are available through supermarket and off license channels and the Warehouse 1 Collection that features small batch whiskies that are the result of experiments and cask adventures.
Our Tasting Notes
The nose has immediate aromas of fresh green apple and honey, with underlying notes of brown sugar and vanilla. There is also a pinch of cinnamon in there, along with milk chocolate and cocoa.
On the palate this whisky has an initial soft, almost creamy, feel and plenty of sweetness. There are notes of golden syrup, vanilla and butterscotch. These mingle with more fruity notes most reminiscent of stewed apple and raisin, with a hint of tinned peach. Underneath, and with a decent presence, are a good pinch of warming wood/baking spices (think of cinnamon, all-spice and ginger) and an increasingly influential note of bittersweet maltiness. The finish is sweet with a decent length, which then turns more spicy and malty with time.
What’s The Verdict?
This whisky has a traditional classic character and represents a great purchase as it has a great balance and complexity for its age and price point. This is a whisky worth seeking out and keeping as a great every day style drinker. The bourbon cask works remarkably well with the Glen Moray spirit – just enough body but maintaining a fresh fruitiness.
