Glen Moray 33 Years Old 1986 (SMWS 35.270)

This Glen Moray was bottled by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a 33 year old, distilled in 1986, from cask 35.270, bottled at 53.3%, one of 273 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.

The spirit was run through the stills on River Lossie water for a light make, for a clean make of orchard fruit and a soft honey. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanillin lending vanilla under the apple. 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. The light, fruity make takes cask flavour well while keeping its apple and pear. A pioneer of wine cask finishing, Glen Moray has long layered fruit over its light malt. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple deepening to honey and dried fruit.

At a natural 53.3% it is full and fruity. A clean, fruity sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Pear, honey and a creamy toffee fill the middle. The finish runs light, fruity and clean. This is a Speyside single malt of real value.