Glen Moray 32 Years Old 1991 (SMWS 35.388)

A 32 year old Glen Moray from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, distilled in 1991, from cask 35.388, bottled at 53.9%, one of 182 bottles. Glen Moray is a Speyside malt from Elgin, the heart of the Cutty Sark and Label 5 blends. It closed in 1910 and reopened in 1923 under Macdonald and Muir of Glenmorangie.

Made on River Lossie water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, for a light, easy spirit with a soft malt. Finished in a Pedro Ximenez 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. River Lossie water and the tall stills give the light Glen Moray make. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation in the Glen Moray warehouses at Elgin. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. The light spirit suits a wide range of cask finishes, from sherry to rum.

At cask strength 53.9% it is full bodied. A clean, fruity sweetness, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. A baked apple and a gentle spice lift it. Apple, pear and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a Speyside single malt of real value.