Glen Moray – 3 New 2020 Distillery Editions
Last week here at Whisky Boys HQ I received three samples of the new Glen Moray 2020 distillery edition whisky bottlings. Glen Moray have three ‘wine-finish’ for this years annual Distillery Edition release, and this year for those who cannot visit the distillery, these editions will be available through a ‘Distillery dial-in’ service.
These three are the oldest wine-finished Whiskies Glen Moray has ever released. The finishes are :-
Chardonnay
Burgundy
Chenin Blanc
The three Whiskies have been matured in the ex-wine casks for between 16 and 17 years, and started their maturation between 2003 and 2004 in Glen Moray’s famous Warehouse No. 1.
Brand Ambassador and Distillery Visitor Centre Manager Iain Allan said:
“Buying a bottle of Glen Moray from our annual Distillery Edition is as much about the experience of a visit to the distillery as it is about buying a wonderful new whisky. For the many people who would normally make the trip and take away one of these special bottles, we wanted to find a way to make the range available but avoid making it just a basic transaction over email or the internet.”
“Everyone working at the distillery enjoys nothing more than talking about whisky with fellow enthusiasts, answering questions and sharing behind the scenes stories of how Glen Moray is made. So if you can’t make the visit in person this year, please just pick up the phone and dial our distillery team.”
Now for the best bit, let’s taste.
First up is:-
Glen Moray – Single Speyside Malt Whisky, 2003 Distillery Edition, Chardonnay cask (Cask 7670) 58.9% Alc/vol 70 cl.
Colour…Jurassic amber
Nose…Pears and pineapples backed by an earthy note, sweet with some buttered ginger cake.
Taste…Complex warmth of sweet fruit, a wee citrus burst, pleasantly sweet with some honey and spice, peach melba and all things fruity.
Finish…Leaves a little dryness, spices with a trace of cinnamon.
A delightful dram more complex than the sadly missed 10 year old full Chardonnay cask matured.
Up next is:-
Glen Moray – Single Speyside Malt Whisky, 2004 Distillery Edition, Burgundy cask (Cask 213) 60.1% Alc/vol 70 cl.
Colour…Cinder toffee
Nose…This one has certainly got my attention, attractive wood-derived notes, crushed almonds, brandy snaps and dolly mixtures.
Taste…This one is so well balanced sweetness and acidity, pomegranate, black cherries and lime, subtle wine hints, Turkish delight, tangy and lip-smacking.
Finish…Long and delightful finish, warm spices and some lingering oak.
All I can say about this one is WOW. This is an absolutely outstanding dram.
And finally :-
Glen Moray – Single Speyside Malt Whisky, 2004 Distillery Edition, Chenin Blanc cask (Cask 341) 60.3% Alc/vol 70 cl.
Colour…Polished Pine
Nose…Rivers of rich soft fruits cascade, spiced apples sprinkled with orange peel.
Taste…Rivers of golden syrup, orange liqueur drizzled down onto overripe Caribbean fruit cocktail, yummy.
Finish… Dry gentle spices tingle, the oranges are strong on the finish, balanced and very satisfying.
Another cracker from Elgin.
Three outstanding drams from Warehouse no. 1. Of the three my favourite by a long way is the Burgundy cask. Even if tasted neat it has the big WOW factor.
All three of these bottlings are priced at £85.00 each. For a single cask, of this quality I think they have been under-priced, I would comfortably pay £100/£120 for a bottle.
Again Glen Moray has done it again, created three triumphant expressions. So a big pat on the back for all at Glen Moray. Hope to see you all soon.
