Glen Moray 13 Year (Single Cask Nation)

 

Ah, Glen Moray! Previously a distillery only for "those in the know," it's rapidly becoming pretty well-known maker... or at least, those in the know has expanded dramatically. Maybe both. When I first joined the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, I barely knew them from one or two very subpar official bottlings at the larger retail markets. 

The bottles I had from SMWS were outstanding, way beyond what I was expecting, and really opened my eyes - making them, along with Ardmore and Clynelish, among the very first of the distilleries to teach me how good independent bottlers could be.

I'm not sure I've *ever* been disappointed in a bottle of Glen Moray that came from an independent bottler. I'm sure they're out there, but they haven't crossed my table or entered my glass.

Anyway, on to THIS bottle, from Single Cask Nation - who are self-processed huge fans of Glen Moray. Here is their patented flavometer: 

That all checks out based on my experience with Glen Moray. Additionally, here are their more detailed tasting notes: 

NOSE: Bright and fruity with lemon bars under a dusting of confectioner’s sugar over a buttered Graham Cracker crust, ripe stone fruits, honey dipped apples, almond slivers, touch of ground pepper around the edges.

PALATE: Full mouth coating texture, bright and effervescent across the palate, notes of pear drops, apricot, oak spice, cracked black pepper, crystalized ginger, so incredibly round as it transitions towards the finish.

FINISH: Lingering sweetness, still juicy, and lasting citrus that keeps you wanting more

Interesting - a lot of wood influence present here, in terms of pepper and spice and perhaps the ginger. After 13 years in ex-bourbon, bottled at 58.2% ABV, let's see about this Glen Moray: 

Nose: Starts out rather shy - lemon candy, powdered sugar, and - yes - Graham crackers. Which is to say, dry and slightly dusty vanilla cookies. Maybe even Nilla wafers. 

Over time, some ripe apple, fresh butter, and cracked pepper come out as well, while maintaining that same "dusty/dry cookies" core scent. 

Mouthfeel: Surprisingly waxy - big, waxy, oily texture. It has a big mouthfeel, lots of body. 

Palate: Big bright flavors explode across the tongue, defying the shy nose: lemon candy, unripe pear, peach and/or apricot, lots of baking spices, black pepper, ginger... basically the official notes are right on the money with this. 

It actually rather reminds me of young Clynelish, with a tiny bit less of the overt candle wax (although this is still pretty waxy). It's very bright and summery and full of young fruit and fresh spice. 

Finish: Lemon, peach, orange candy - like Starburst. 

Verdict: Tastes half its age, but that's not really a bad thing. This is a big, sweet, bright, summery, sugary, confectioner's bomb of a whisky with a surprisingly waxy texture. It tastes young and sprightly - not what I expected at 13 years - and yet, it's bursting with flavor. Clearly a highly active ex-bourbon barrel here, lots of vanilla and spice packed into every corner. Recommended for those who want a sweet but bold and layered summer whisky.