Glen Moray 33 Years Old 1986 (SMWS 35.264)

This Glen Moray was bottled by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a 33 year old, distilled in 1986, from cask 35.264, bottled at 46.1%, one of 218 bottles. Glen Moray is a light, sweet Speyside malt, founded in 1897 on the banks of the River Lossie. Glen Moray has long made an accessible, fruity Speyside in the classic style.

The spirit was worked through the stills for a light, sweet make, for a light, easy spirit with a soft malt. Maturation finished in an Oloroso cask, layered over the light Glen Moray make. In its ethereal years the malt is waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, dried fig). 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. The accessible, fruity make is the base for the distillery's many cask finishes.

At 46.1%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. A clean, fruity sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A soft fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. Apple, pear and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a fresh, fruity Speyside single malt.