Glen Moray 21 Years Old 1996 (SMWS 35.203)

A 21 year old Glen Moray from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, distilled in 1996, from cask 35.203, bottled at 60.1%, one of 672 bottles. Glen Moray, founded in 1897 in a former brewery, is one of Speyside's best loved malts. It was founded in 1897 in the converted Elgin West Brewery, on the banks of the River Lossie.

It was distilled light and fruity in the Glen Moray style, for the light, fruity make Glen Moray is known for. An Oloroso cask shaped the finish, over the fruity Glen Moray spirit. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, the apple turning honeyed and a soft dried fruit creeping in. Maturation in the bonded warehouses at Elgin is slow and steady. A gentle maturation suits the light make, the orchard fruit growing richer with time. It closed in 1910 and reopened in 1923 under Macdonald and Muir of Glenmorangie. The accessible, fruity make is the base for the distillery's many cask finishes.

At a natural 60.1% it is full and fruity. Apple, pear and a soft vanilla, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. It is fresh and fruity, the light spirit shining through. Apple, pear and a soft oak see out the finish. This is the easy, fruity malt of Elgin.