Glen Moray 8 Years Review

Country: Scotland

Brand: Glen Moray

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Region: Speyside

Age: 8 Years

ABV: 40%

Colour: Very Light Gold/Straw

Nose: The Nose immediately reminds me of the Glen Grant NAS. The Glen Moray however is  more sophisticated. Light and Floral with Malt, Biscuit, Oak, Grass, Heather, Lemon, Butterscotch, Light Fruit (Pear), some Mineral tones and a bit of Alcohol.

Taste: Malt, Oak, Butterscotch, Lemon, Citrus Peel, Pepper, Nuts, Toffee.

Finish: Light, Crisp and Medium-Dry with Citrus, Spice (White Pepper, Ginger and Anise) and some Honey.

I added a few drops of Water and the Nose becomes more Fruity. Think of Pineapple.But also Pear and maybe even Peach. On the Palate and in the Finish I didn't notice any big differences except for the fact that the Pepper withdraws to the background. This dram certainly allows you to play with a bit of Water. 

Rating: 82  

Nose: 21 - Taste: 21 - Finish: 19.5 - Overall: 20.5

General Remarks:  The Glen Moray-Glenlivet distillery is located close to the city of Elgin, the capital of the Moray region. Glen Moray whiskies  have been distilled there since 1897. The Elgin region is known for excellent malting Barley and a mild climate. The Glen Moray is matured in Oak Casks and stored in traditional low roofed warehouses that are said to maintain the light characteristics of the spirit. The Standard Distillery Malt is the NAS Classic. I bought this 8 Years expression in a Travel Retail Shop in Argentina. I'm not quite sure if the two expressions are identical but I suspect they are or at least are very similar.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Drinking Experience on the Rocks: Good as an Aperitif. 

Conclusion: Well crafted and pleasant summer dram. Floral and Malty on the Nose. More Fruity when you add a bit of Water. Palate and Finish are not at all complicated but fairly pleasant with a good amount of Lemon, Butterscotch and White Pepper. Quite nice as an Aperitif on a warm Summer day. No problem to throw in a bit of Ice if that's your preference. This is an affordable Single Malt and it's nice to have it in your cabinet and roll it out on Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer! 

Jan van den Ende                                                                       October 16, 2012