Glen Moray 18 Years Old 1998 (The Whisky Cask)

From the bottler The Whisky Cask, an 18 year old Glen Moray, distilled in 1998, bottled at 54.3%. Glen Moray is a Speyside malt from Elgin, the heart of the Cutty Sark and Label 5 blends. It is known for excellent value, with age statements priced more keenly than most.

The spirit was made on River Lossie water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, for a clean make of orchard fruit and a soft honey. A Rum cask shaped the finish, over the fruity Glen Moray spirit. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (apple and pear) and a honeyed depth. The light spirit suits a wide range of cask finishes, from sherry to rum. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the light Speyside spirit. Maturation in the bonded warehouses at Elgin is slow and steady. It was built on Gallow Hill at Elgin, the old site of the town's hangings.

At a natural 54.3% it is full and fruity. Pear, honey and a soft malt, with a soft brown sugar and a tropical fruit from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and a creamy vanilla sit behind the cask. The finish runs light, fruity and clean. This is Glen Moray's clean, accessible Speyside style.