Glen Moray Cabernet Cask Finish | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glen Moray Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a Cabernet Cask Finish.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky undergoes a unique finishing process in Cabernet wine casks. The specific details of the distillation process are not mentioned, but the focus is on the innovative maturation in wine casks.
Age Statement: No age statement is provided.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky likely exhibits a rich color influenced by the Cabernet casks.
Bottle Design: Features a pot still-shaped neck, which is appreciated by the reviewers for its aesthetic appeal.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a complex balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and darker notes like dark chocolate and coffee, with a hint of spiciness and oakiness.
Unique Characteristics: The Cabernet cask finishing contributes to a deeper, more complex flavor profile compared to the Chardonnay cask finish, without overpowering the whisky with wine notes. The distillery's character of honey and sweetness remains prominent.
Comparison: Compared to the Glen Moray Chardonnay Cask Finish, the Cabernet Cask Finish is described as having more complexity, depth, and a stronger presence of dark chocolate, bittersweetness, and oakiness.

Anecdotes: The hosts discuss the history of Glen Moray's wine-finished whiskies, noting that the distillery was among the pioneers in using wine casks for finishing. The Cabernet Cask Finish is a relatively new addition to their lineup.
Trivia: The Cabernet Sauvignon grape, used for the cask finish, is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, originating from the Bordeaux region.

Historical Context: The Cabernet Sauvignon grape's significance in the Bordeaux region and its global popularity are highlighted, emphasizing the cultural and geographical connection between the whisky and the wine industry.
Industry Connections: Glen Moray's acquisition by a French company from the wine industry is mentioned, explaining the distillery's access to high-quality wine casks for finishing their whiskies.

"The Cabernet is stronger on my tongue... showing more." - Reflecting on the whisky's robust flavor profile.
"It doesn't have that typical wine finish... but it has more of those darker notes." - Commenting on the unique influence of the Cabernet cask.
"The company with Glen Moray, they do have really good connections with the French because the company... just have been bought by the French a few years ago." - Highlighting the strategic advantage Glen Moray has in sourcing wine casks.

Glen Moray Cabernet Cask Finish is a single malt Scotch whisky with a unique finishing process in Cabernet wine casks.
It offers a complex flavor profile with a balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and darker notes, without being dominated by wine flavors.
The whisky's connection to the Bordeaux region and the distillery's access to high-quality wine casks are significant.
The Cabernet Cask Finish is noted for its depth, complexity, and the presence of dark chocolate, bittersweetness, and oakiness, making it more complex than its Chardonnay counterpart.
Glen Moray's strategic connections within the French wine industry provide an advantage in sourcing wine casks for finishing.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the nuanced effects of wine cask finishing on whisky will find the Glen Moray Cabernet Cask Finish intriguing.
For Fans of Complex Flavors: Individuals who appreciate a complex, layered whisky with a balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and darker notes will enjoy this expression.
For Beginners: While this whisky might be more challenging for beginners due to its complexity, it could serve as an interesting step into exploring wine cask-finished whiskies.