Glen Moray 32 Years Old 1986 (SMWS 35.226)

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottled this Glen Moray, a 32 year old, distilled in 1986, from cask 35.226, bottled at 45.8%, one of 227 bottles. Glen Moray is a Speyside single malt from La Martiniquaise, light and approachable in style. Its light, fresh spirit suits a wide range of cask finishes, from sherry to rum.

It was distilled from unpeated malt in copper pot stills, giving a clean, sweet Speyside spirit. Finished in an Oloroso cask, the wood building over the fruity, light spirit. At a great, fragile age oxidation rules, sotolon lending maple and dried fig as beeswax and honey linger. 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. Maturation in the bonded warehouses at Elgin is slow and steady. It runs a large still house at Elgin, expanded over the years to meet demand.

At a natural 45.8% it is full and fruity. Apple, pear and a soft vanilla, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a clean body. Apple, pear and a soft oak see out the finish. This is Glen Moray's clean, accessible Speyside style.