Glen Moray Chardonnay Finish | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glen Moray Distillery, considered to be on the edge of Speyside, Scotland, due to its location near a different river than the Spey.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a Chardonnay cask finish.
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in typical American oak casks before being finished in Chardonnay wine casks.
Age Statement: No age statement (NAS) whisky.
Color & Bottle Design: Not explicitly described, but the focus is on the unique cask finish rather than the visual aspects.

Balance of Flavors: A mix of fresh fruitiness with a notable French oak character, without the bitterness of over-matured whiskies.
Unique Characteristics: The Chardonnay cask finish contributes to a fresh, fruity profile with an unexpected oaky touch, making it distinct from typical Speyside whiskies.
Comparison: Described as having more fruitiness than expected, suggesting a unique profile among Speyside whiskies, especially those finished in wine casks.

Distillery History: Mention of visits to the distillery across different years, noting that while the exterior has remained the same, significant changes have occurred inside.
Anecdotes: A story about a flooding event in 2003 where casks were seen floating, yet the distillery managed to recover without significant loss.

Speyside Identity: Discussion on Glen Moray's geographical positioning and its classification as a Speyside distillery, despite not being directly on the River Spey.
Chardonnay Casks: Highlighting the use of Chardonnay wine casks for finishing, which is notable for being one of the first distilleries to adopt this practice.

"This is really good for a cheap one." - Acknowledgment of the whisky's value for its price point.
"It feels a bit too round for Limousin [oak], but maybe they have just toasted it very well." - Speculation on the cask treatment contributing to the whisky's flavor profile.

Glen Moray Chardonnay Finish is a NAS single malt Scotch whisky, finished in Chardonnay wine casks.
It offers a fresh, fruity profile with a notable French oak character, distinct from typical Speyside whiskies.
The distillery's geographical positioning on the edge of Speyside and its history of using wine casks for finishing contribute to its unique identity.
Despite its affordability, the whisky presents a complex flavor profile, making it a value-for-money choice.
The review includes anecdotes about the distillery's history and a flooding event, adding depth to the storytelling aspect.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the effects of wine cask finishing on whisky will find this expression intriguing.
For Budget-Conscious Drinkers: Given its affordability and unique flavor profile, it's an excellent choice for individuals seeking quality without a high price tag.
For New Whisky Drinkers: The fresh, fruity profile paired with a gentle oakiness makes it accessible for newcomers to the whisky world.