Glen Moray 29 Years Old 1994 (SMWS 35.400)

From the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a 29 year old Glen Moray, distilled in 1994, from cask 35.400, bottled at 56.2%, one of 162 bottles. Glen Moray is a Speyside single malt known for vanilla, honey and orchard fruit. Its water is drawn from the River Lossie, which runs past the distillery at Elgin.

The spirit was worked through the stills for a light, sweet make, for a light, easy spirit with a soft malt. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. Through the evaporative decades the spirit concentrates, esters folding into dried fruit, beeswax and a soft honey. A pioneer of wine cask finishing, Glen Moray has long layered fruit over its light malt. 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.

At its natural 56.2% it is concentrated. Baked apple, vanilla and a creamy toffee, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft orchard fruit and a creamy vanilla sit behind the cask. A long, fruity finish carries a green apple and a soft spice. This is an approachable Speyside single malt from Elgin.