Glen Moray 1998/2017 19 Years - Malts of Scotland
The Glen Moray 19 Years from Malts of Scotland is a drop that falls into the category of intense single malts with its 54.8% vol. Matured in a sherry hogshead from 1998 to 2017, this whisky promises a multi-faceted experience. We are excited!
Tasting Notes
Nose
From the very first nosing, you realise that this whisky is not a light representative from Speyside. Musty notes, familiar from old wine cellars, immediately fill the nose. This is followed by an intense smell of leather, reminiscent of old leather furniture that tells stories of times gone by. These deep, earthy tones are accompanied by a hint of pepper, which adds spiciness. A slight nuttiness is added, but this is almost drowned out by the extra dry sultanas - the typical influence of the sherry cask is clearly noticeable here. A hint of ash and burnt candle wick hovers in the background. These are notes that not everyone will like, but they give the Glen Moray 19 years a strong, slightly smoky touch.
Palate
The first impression is intense and full-bodied, almost exuberant. The combination of dark chilli chocolate and baking cocoa brings with it a complex bitter note, which, however, blends perfectly with the high viscosity of the whisky. This mouthfeel is heavy and oily - you can clearly feel the 19 years of maturation. An interesting side effect is the memory of an extinguished candle, a slightly waxy, almost burnt nuance that makes the flavour profile even more complex. The whisky comes across as bitter overall, which can be quite polarising.
Finish
A strong sulphur note, reminiscent of rotten eggs, leaves no doubt that this whisky is polarising. Pepper and a herbaceous, tobacco-like mate tea flavour linger long into the finish and reinforce the bitter, slightly rough character. An impression of wet towel remains, which - like the sulphur - is not suitable for every palate.
Thoughts
Marcel 71/100
This Glen Moray 19 Years is a wild ride for the senses – not everyone will love its rough, almost rebellious flavors, but that’s exactly what makes it an exciting adventure in the glass. If you’re looking for a character with edges and quirks, this is a must-try, because enjoyment is definitely taken seriously here – at least for lovers of intense drams.
Sascha 71/100
The Glen Moray 19 Years from Malts of Scotland presents a complex, yet not always harmonious aroma profile, dominated by sulfur and bitter notes. Despite its long maturation and the power of 54.8% ABV, it lacks balance and refinement, making it a rather polarizing representative of the Speyside range.
Value for Money: Good
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81/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the sherry hogshead cask influence the flavor notes of the Glen Moray 1998/2017 19 Years?
The sherry hogshead cask imparts intense aromas of extra dry raisins as well as a nutty note. Additionally, it contributes to the deep, earthy, and slightly smoky nuances typical of sherry cask maturation.
Why does the Glen Moray 19 Years have a strong sulfur note and how does it affect the taste?
The pronounced sulfur note, reminiscent of rotten eggs, likely originates from the cask maturation or distillation process and creates a polarizing bitterness. This tone is accompanied by peppery and herbal aromas that emphasize the whisky’s rough character.
What makes the Glen Moray 1998/2017 19 Years so intense and heavy despite its Speyside origin?
Although Speyside whiskies are often lighter, the long 19-year maturation in sherry casks and the high alcohol content of 54.8% ABV result in a full-bodied, oily mouthfeel with complex, bitter flavors and a heavy viscosity.