Glen Moray 16 Years Old 2004 Cask #HL 18197 (Old Malt Cask)

This Glen Moray was bottled by the Glasgow bottler Hunter Laing, a 16 year old, distilled in 2004, from cask HL 18197, bottled at 50%, one of 260 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.

The spirit was run through the stills on River Lossie water for a light make, for a light, easy spirit with a soft malt. Most Glen Moray begins in American oak ex-Bourbon, the base for its cask finishes. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip over the fruit. The light spirit suits a wide range of cask finishes, from sherry to rum. It was built on Gallow Hill at Elgin, the old site of the town's hangings. It runs a large still house at Elgin, expanded over the years to meet demand. It was a pioneer of wine cask finishing, working with Chardonnay casks back in the 1990s.

At cask strength 50% it is full bodied. A light, orchard fruit and toffee, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a clean body. The finish is long, fruity and clean. This is a light Speyside malt from the banks of the Lossie.