Glen Moray 31 Years Old 1987 (SMWS 35.235)

A Glen Moray of a 31 year old chosen by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, distilled in 1987, from cask 35.235, bottled at 48.7%, one of 200 bottles. Glen Moray is a fresh, fruity Speyside malt from the town of Elgin in Moray. 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 the light, fruity make Glen Moray is known for. Finished in an Oloroso cask, the wood building over the fruity, light spirit. Ethereal and fragile, decades draw the light malt to a honeyed, waxy delicacy of sotolon, dried fruit and old oak. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards dried fruit, honey and a soft spice. Its water is drawn from the River Lossie, which runs past the distillery at Elgin. Its make is a key malt in the Cutty Sark and Label 5 blends.

At its natural 48.7% it is concentrated. Baked apple, vanilla and a creamy toffee, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and a creamy vanilla sit behind the cask. The finish runs light, fruity and clean. This is an approachable Speyside single malt from Elgin.