Glen Moray 32 Years Old 1988 (SMWS 35.305)

From the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a 32 year old Glen Moray, distilled in 1988, from cask 35.305, bottled at 56.9%, one of 115 bottles. Glen Moray is a Speyside malt from Elgin, the heart of the Cutty Sark and Label 5 blends. It runs a large still house at Elgin, expanded over the years to meet demand.

Distilled from unpeated malt in copper pot stills, building the fresh Glen Moray style. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the light spirit. At a great, fragile age oxidation rules, sotolon lending maple and dried fig as beeswax and honey linger. Maturation in the bonded warehouses at Elgin is slow and steady. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. It was a pioneer of wine cask finishing, working with Chardonnay casks back in the 1990s. It was built on Gallow Hill at Elgin, the old site of the town's hangings.

At 56.9%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Apple, pear and a soft vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is fresh and fruity, the light spirit shining through. Apple, pear and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a fresh, fruity Speyside single malt.