Glen Moray 12 years | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland, very near to the north coast of the River Spey.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured exclusively in American oak casks, focusing on showcasing the distillery's character.
Age Statement: 12 years.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky's color is implied to be influenced by its bourbon cask maturation.
Bottle Design: The design specifics are not detailed, but the bottle is presented as part of the story about the distillery's proximity to a river and its history with flooding.

Balance of Flavors: Starts off sweet and fruity, transitioning to a more mature, oaky finish. Described as a "roller coaster whisky."
Unique Characteristics: Despite being matured in bourbon casks, it has a fruity and floral profile that could be mistaken for a sherry cask maturation, with notes of citrus, flowery honey, strawberry jam, and maltiness.
Comparison: The fruity and sweet profile, along with the maltiness, might remind one of a sherry style whisky, despite its bourbon cask maturation.

Anecdotes: The distillery's location near a river prone to flooding led to crises where casks were at risk of floating away. This necessitated a collective effort from all staff, regardless of their department, to mitigate the damage and save the casks.

Historical Context: Glen Moray's experimentation with various cask finishes (e.g., Chabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sherry, Port, Madeira) is noted, showcasing the distillery's innovative spirit. The 12-year-old expression, however, represents a return to a more traditional maturation process.

"It's a really light, nice fruity sherry style whisky but it's so fruity that if you would give me an unapplied tasting... I would go for sherry."
"It's a nice roller coaster whisky. Start off sweet and you end off mature, oaky."
"It's a pleasant whisky. And it's the entry-level whisky from Glen Moray. So it's a pleasant whisky. You can have it. It's a nice, just bourbon cask maturation."

Glen Moray 12 years is a Speyside single malt matured in American oak, emphasizing the distillery's character.
The flavor profile is notably fruity and sweet, with a transition to oaky maturity, reminiscent of sherry cask maturation.
The distillery's history with flooding adds a unique story to this whisky.
Positioned as an entry-level offering from Glen Moray, it's praised for its pleasant taste and reasonable price (around 26-27 euros in Germany).

For Beginners: Its pleasant, not overly complex profile makes it an excellent introduction to single malt Scotch whisky.
For Scotch Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the effects of bourbon cask maturation on Speyside whiskies might find this expression intriguing.
For Budget-Conscious Drinkers: Given its reasonable price point and quality, it's a solid choice for those looking to enjoy a good Scotch without breaking the bank.
For Fans of Fruity Profiles: Individuals who appreciate a fruity and sweet whisky, typically found in sherry cask matured spirits, might enjoy this unique bourbon cask matured expression.