Glen Moray 2008/2021 12 Years old - Rum Matured & Cognac Finish
The Glen Moray distillery from Speyside has created an interesting cask project with its 2008/2021 - 12 years whisky, which has been matured in rum casks and refined with a cognac finish. This Private Cask Collection, bottled as a single cask with only 498 bottles, is definitely something special.
Tasting Notes
Nose
This whisky reveals a wonderful aroma from the very first sniff. The fruitiness immediately jumps into the glass: notes of Bircher muesli with grapes, apple and a hint of peach dominate, accompanied by vanilla and a sweet honey flavour that combines elegantly with walnut. The fragrance is malty and slightly floral, while a hint of pear rounds off the fine, balanced sweetness.
Palate
On the palate, the single malt unfolds with an intense, almost surprising creaminess. The pepper notes provide a spicy kick, which is accompanied by ginger and counteracts the sweetness with an exciting sharpness. Apricot and malt come more to the fore, giving the whisky a velvety depth, while the oak spice provides structure and character.
Finish
The finish is short to medium in length, but leaves a pleasant, warming trace on the palate. The colourful peppercorns once again set the tone, while nutty tones and honey-like sweetness gently fade away. A malty base note and a good portion of oak spice give the finish depth before the whisky leaves a light, wintry spice note with a hint of speculoos.
Thoughts
Marcel 79/100
A whisky that truly delights with its creamy spice and fruity sweetness – a genuine moment of enjoyment, even if it still lacks the final polish. Glen Moray shows character here without taking itself too seriously, making it perfect for relaxed evenings with friends.
Sascha 78/100
A solid balance of fruitiness, spice, and oak defines this Glen Moray, which gains interesting facets through its rum and cognac finishes. However, the profile still feels somewhat underdeveloped in places, which slightly limits its harmonious rounding.
Value for Money: Fair
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71/100Frequently Asked Questions
How do rum casks and the cognac finish influence the flavor of this Glen Moray whisky?
Maturation in rum casks imparts sweet, fruity notes like apricot and honey to the whisky, while the cognac finish adds a fine, elegant spiciness and extra complexity, expressed through hints of nuts and spices.
What does 'Single Cask' mean for this Glen Moray 2008/2021 whisky?
'Single Cask' means the whisky was bottled from just one single barrel, resulting in a unique flavor profile. For this whisky, only 498 bottles were produced from that exact cask, making it particularly limited and full of character.
How does the high alcohol content of 57.83% affect the drinking experience?
The high alcohol content delivers an intense aroma and robust spiciness that unfolds on the palate. Many enthusiasts recommend adding a few drops of water to better open up the flavors and soften the sharpness.