Glen Moray Port Cask Finish
Located in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region, Glen Moray is known for approachable, fruit-driven whiskies. Since the grand opening of its visitor centre on July 6th, 2004, the distillery has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots. Interestingly, Glen Moray played a key role in the early days of wood finishing experiments — a technique that would later make Glenmorangie world-famous. With the Port Cask Finish, Glen Moray presents a no-age-statement single malt matured in ex-bourbon barrels before receiving a finishing period in port wine casks. Bottled at a friendly 40% ABV, it's an ideal choice for those new to whisky.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Right from the first sniff, the whisky offers a warm and inviting aroma. Notes of white chocolate, a subtle wine-like character, and a gentle touch of leather emerge. Black cherries add fruity depth, supported by a pleasantly malty sweetness. The nose invites you to take that first sip.
Palate
On the palate, sweetness takes the lead — clearly showcasing the influence of the port cask. A light bitterness provides a nice balance. Hints of caramel and vanilla mingle with soft oak, and there’s a touch of youthful spirit that gives it a charming character rather than being a drawback.
Finish
The finish is short but harmonious. Grainy and bready notes linger, accompanied by a touch of spice and a final trace of fruity sweetness.
Thoughts
Marcel 77/100
Lighthearted and charming, the Glen Moray Port Cask Finish brings plenty of drinking pleasure to the glass without being overly complicated – a genuine Speyside treat with a sweet, fruity port wine touch that leaves you wanting more. For anyone seeking an uncomplicated whisky with character, this is a fantastic companion for relaxed evenings.
Sascha 76/100
The Glen Moray Port Cask Finish impresses with its well-balanced interplay between malty sweetness and a refined port wine finish, even though the short finish lacks a bit of lasting persistence. A technically solid Speyside single malt that offers an interesting, structured alternative, especially for newcomers to cask finishes.
Value for Money: Excellent
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73/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the port cask finish influence the taste of the Glen Moray Port Cask Finish?
The port cask finish imparts a pronounced fruity sweetness to the whisky, expressed through notes of Morello cherries and a wine-like aroma. At the same time, it creates a pleasant balance between sweetness and a slight bitterness, complemented by caramel and vanilla flavors.
Who is the Glen Moray Port Cask Finish particularly suited for?
With its moderate 40% ABV and accessible, fruity profile, the Glen Moray Port Cask Finish is ideal for beginners looking for a gentle single malt with an interesting cask maturation.
Why did Glen Moray choose not to include an age statement for this whisky, and what does that mean for the flavor?
Omitting an age statement (No Age Statement) allows the distillery to blend different vintages to achieve a consistent flavor profile. The result is a whisky with a youthful character that gains additional complexity and sweetness from the port cask finish.