Glen Moray in a successful marriage with white wine
Glen Moray is quite the darling of many whisky enthusiasts. It has an accessible style but it is certainly not a dime a dozen single malt. If left alone for a good 12 to 15 years, the fruity character can be very rewarding. Interestingly enough, this is also a whisky I never drink from proprietary expressions, but almost without exception from independent bottlers. There are plenty available anyway, and if sometimes slightly dull, the quality is always high. In the sample drawer we found a more exotic outing, that we will put to the test today!
Glen Moray 2007, 17 years old, bottled at 56 % abv by Berry Bros & Rudd
First things first: Just 212 bottles for the Friends of BB&R The Netherlands, this Glen Moray was distilled in 2007 and eventually finished in a Viognier cask with the reference #5764.
Upon Sipping: Viognier is a white wine made from grapes that predominantly grows in the Rhone valley in France but has actually progressed to be an adaptable grape in many corners of the world. I have no information on what the background of this Viognier is, but we expect soft fruit, floral influences and sour notes. The colour on this Glen Moray is surprisingly dark for a white wine influenced whisky. The smell offers a rich bouquet of indeed the aforementioned characteristics. The wine and the fruity Glen Moray spirit make for an excellent combination. There is some cloaking going on, too, because of the alcohol impact. Taking a sip undiluted, the palate is covered in a very sticky liquid, rich in fudge and syrup, quite some black pepper, but all well in balance with orchard fruits. Colour me impressed! It seems the dry curse of wine cask matured or finished whisky is avoided here. The palate offers a juicy experience, and I like it. With water, the Glen Moray blooms open with beauty and style. Some honey comes out, whiffs of wood, forest smells on a hot Spring afternoon. The taste remains quite the same, but now it does reveal a dry tannin note. All in all, I would recommend to drink this one at high strength for maximum pleasure.
Word to the Wise: An impressive coming together of styles, with a mature Glen Moray and a cask that really adds something to the baseline. Well done, friends of BB&R!
Score: 87 points.
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