We are staying in Speyside for this month’s Malt of the Month, Glen Moray, characterised by its sweet and smooth nature. This was a favourite of Michael Berry, English Lakes late Chairman and Managing Director.
Barley from the Granary of Scotland
The Glen Moray distillery is a small, friendly and informal business in the heart of Elgin, one of Scotland’s oldest towns with the honour of being the capital of Speyside, synonymous throughout the world for excellent malt whisky. Although time may have been many changes over the years, there have only been 5 distillery managers in that time, testament to the continuity of the knowledge and trade secrets of their particular taste.
Barley and water being the core ingredients of any single malt, the distillery is perfectly placed on the banks of River Lossie and close to the rich, fertile plain along the Moray Coast, sometimes referred to as the Granary of Scotland. The region has its own milder micro-climate, being protected by both the Cairngorms and Monadhliath Mountains.
Enjoyed by Angels
Myth would have it that the distillery’s geographic location, sitting in a hollow below the water table, makes the warehouse nestle in the perfect location to allow Angels to take more of a share of this particular whisky than another other. In reality, the road passing the distillery grounds has a more gruesome history, being in the shadow of Gallow Hill, where executions were carried out until the end of the 17th century. These days, there is a much more peaceful atmosphere, allowing the craftsmen to get on with what they do best.
Barrels previously used for bourbon are sourced from North America and give Glen Moray its rich, spicy character.
Glen Moray 10 Year Old
Tasting Notes
NOSE: At full strength, the aroma is fragrant and lightly drying with warming malty notes. The first impression is of butterscotch and shortbread with fresh herbal/grassy notes. Lemon curd and meringue are discovered in the background.
With water, malt and spices combine to reveal oatmeal with a hint of freshly ground black pepper. Lemongrass, tea-tree oil and heather aromatics give the whisky a fragrance throughout.
PALATE: The mouth feel is lightly spiced with a warming and gently mouthwatering effect. Malty toffee sweetness is present throughout with blackcurrants and a fragrant citrus lemongrass tang.
FINISH: Shortbread, fresh herbal notes (lemongrass) and the sweet spiciness of ginger marmalade.
Whisky Tasting at The Wild Boar
Join George at our regular Whisky Tasting Evenings at The Wild Boar.
Take a look at The Wild Boar Events page to find our more about the next whisky event.