Glen Moray 13 Years Old 2007 Cask #6360 (Best Dram)

A 13 year old Glen Moray from the bottler Best Dram, distilled in 2007, from cask 6360, bottled at 56.8%, one of 239 bottles. Glen Moray is a Speyside single malt and a pioneer of wine cask finishing. It is known for excellent value, with age statements priced more keenly than most.

It was worked through the stills for a light, sweet make, giving a clean, sweet Speyside spirit. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the body softer and the fruit riper. The accessible, fruity make is the base for the distillery's many cask finishes. Its water is drawn from the River Lossie, which runs past the distillery at Elgin. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards dried fruit, honey and a soft spice. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple deepening to honey and dried fruit.

At its natural 56.8% it is concentrated. Green apple, honey and a gentle oak, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Beneath it run green apple, pear and a soft vanilla. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is an approachable Speyside single malt from Elgin.