Glen Moray The Private Cask Collection 18 Years Old 2002 (58.1%)

This official Glen Moray, an 18 year old, from 2002, at 58.1%, 246 bottles in all. Glen Moray is a Speyside single malt from La Martiniquaise, light and approachable in style. It was founded in 1897 in the converted Elgin West Brewery, on the banks of the River Lossie.

Drawn off the stills for a clean, fruity Speyside spirit, for a clean make of orchard fruit and a soft honey. It was finished in a Pedro Ximenez cask, the wood layered over the light malt. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (apple and pear) and a honeyed depth. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards dried fruit, honey and a soft spice. It closed in 1910 and reopened in 1923 under Macdonald and Muir of Glenmorangie. It is known for excellent value, with age statements priced more keenly than most. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple deepening to honey and dried fruit.

At its natural 58.1% it is concentrated. Green apple, vanilla and a soft honey, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a clean body. The close is light and clean, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a light, fruity Speyside single malt.