Glen Moray 22 Years Old 1996 Cask #7840 (Archives)

A 22 year old Glen Moray from the bottler Archives, distilled in 1996, from cask 7840, bottled at 52.7%, one of 189 bottles. Glen Moray is a Speyside single malt and a pioneer of wine cask finishing. Its light, fresh spirit suits a wide range of cask finishes, from sherry to rum.

The spirit was made on River Lossie water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, for a light, easy spirit with a soft malt. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the light spirit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a drying structure while oxidation builds a richer, dried fruit. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation in the Glen Moray warehouses at Elgin. It was a pioneer of wine cask finishing, working with Chardonnay casks back in the 1990s. It is known for excellent value, with age statements priced more keenly than most. It runs a large still house at Elgin, expanded over the years to meet demand.

At cask strength 52.7% it is full bodied. A clean, fruity sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A soft fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. Apple, pear and a soft oak see out the finish. This is the easy, fruity malt of Elgin.