Glen Moray 12 Years Old 2010 Cask Series 020 (North Star)

A Glen Moray of a 12 year old chosen by the Glasgow bottler North Star Spirits, distilled in 2010, bottled at 54%, one of 218 bottles. Glen Moray is a Speyside single malt and a pioneer of wine cask finishing. It was founded in 1897 in the converted Elgin West Brewery, on the banks of the River Lossie.

Run through the stills on River Lossie water for a light make, for a clean make of orchard fruit and a soft honey. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the light spirit. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the spirit, the green apple deepening to honey and toffee. River Lossie water and the tall stills give the light Glen Moray make. Its make is a key malt in the Cutty Sark and Label 5 blends. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation in the Glen Moray warehouses at Elgin. It is known for excellent value, with age statements priced more keenly than most.

At cask strength 54% it is full bodied. A light, orchard fruit and toffee, 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 a Speyside single malt of real value.