Glen Moray 12 Years Old 2002 Cask #DMG 10578 (Douglas McGibbon)

From the bottler Douglas McGibbon, a 12 year old Glen Moray, distilled in 2002, from cask DMG 10578, bottled at 46%. Glen Moray is a light, easy Speyside single malt with a long line of cask finishes. It closed in 1910 and reopened in 1923 under Macdonald and Muir of Glenmorangie.

It was made on River Lossie water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, for a light, easy spirit with a soft malt. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the light fruit lead. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the body softer and the fruit riper. River Lossie water and the tall stills give the light Glen Moray make. Refill oak lets the light, fruity Glen Moray character lead the way. It was a pioneer of wine cask finishing, working with Chardonnay casks back in the 1990s. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the light Speyside spirit.

At an approachable 46% it is light and easy. Green apple, honey and a gentle oak, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is light and clean, the fruit lifted by vanilla. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is Glen Moray's clean, accessible Speyside style.