Glen Moray 18 Years Old 2004 The Private Cask (Whisky.de)

This Glen Moray was bottled by Whisky.de, an 18 year old, distilled in 2004, bottled at 58.9%, one of 591 bottles. Glen Moray is a Speyside single malt and a pioneer of wine cask finishing. It was built on Gallow Hill at Elgin, the old site of the town's hangings.

Run through the stills on River Lossie water for a light make, for the light, fruity make Glen Moray is known for. It was finished in a Port cask, the wood layered over the light malt. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (apple and pear) and a honeyed depth. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple deepening to honey and dried fruit. It has been owned since 2008 by the French house La Martiniquaise. It was founded in 1897 in the converted Elgin West Brewery, on the banks of the River Lossie. A gentle maturation suits the light make, the orchard fruit growing richer with time.

At a hearty 58.9% it carries real weight. A fresh, fruity sweetness, with red berry, plum and a dry spice from the cask. A soft fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. A long, fruity finish carries a green apple and a soft spice. This is the easy, fruity malt of Elgin.