Glen Moray Classic Port Cask Finish (40%, OB, 2014)

  • 40% ABV,
  • £25
  • Score: 63/100

GlenMoray_PortCask_01

What they say:

There’s an almost mysterious, ethereal quality about this radiant malt whisky.
No wonder we enjoy moments of pure lightness as we sip a dram of Glen Moray.

COLOUR: Light Gold

NOSE: First impressions are of toasted vanilla and subtle hints of oak. Aromas of rich dried fruits and leather follow, laced with dark chocolate and blackberries.

TASTE: A wonderful burst of spice hits the tongue combined with a refreshing lemony citrus tang. As the taste develops a rich caramel sweetness with traces of cinnamon comes to the fore.

FINISH: The finish is smooth with soft oak and honey sweetness lingering gently on the tongue. The spice continues to tingle and dark chocolate flavours develop to give luxurious texture and a fitting finale to an elegant whisky.

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What I say:

The Glen Moray Classic is the no-age statement (NAS) standard expression from the Glen Moray Distillery. Under new ownership, the latest offering has been given a twist and a little kick by spending 8 months in Tawny Port casks. This was sampled as part of WOLS 14/7 whisky and chocolate tasting

Colour:

Pinky golden amber

Nose:

The esters (banana) and acetone (nail polish remover) of the classic are still present but slightly masked by a thin layer of fruity strawberry jam and leather shoelaces, some vanilla and coconut notes are present as well as dried fruits

Taste:

Similar to the nose a veneer of strawberry jam on toast, cherry lips sweeties, blackcurrants, prunes and raisins lead to brief leathery tannins and subtle cocoa before cereal, vanilla, cinnamon and oak resurface, a little thin in mouthfeel the port-finish is balanced equally with the underlying spirit and feels complimentary

Finish:

Short, sweet, zesty tangerines and cherries

Overall:

A definite improvement on the standard Classic – the port finish adds a little fruity sweetness and complexity but struggles to feel completely integrated with the base spirit underneath. Still too youthfull and exuberant for my liking – perhaps a little longer initial ageing before finishing would round this out a little better?

Barry Bradford Avatar

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6 responses to “Glen Moray Classic Port Cask Finish”

  1. Water Of Life Society Tasting 14/7 – Whisky and The Chocolate Tree | The Whiskyphiles Avatar

    […] 3. Glen Moray Classic Port Cask Finish ~ 40% (Glen Moray Distillery) […]

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  2. Whisky Waffle Avatar

    I do love me a good Port finish. Although I’m a bit on the fence about Glen Moray. The biggest question, of course, is will I be able to find a bottle in Australia!?!?

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    1. Barry Bradford Avatar

      Hi try: https://www.danmurphys.com.au/dm/home.jsp they already stock a good selection of Glen Moray expressions and may be able to tell you if they are getting this expression for sale?

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      1. Whisky Waffle Avatar

        Thanks so much! there’s a 25 year old port finish! I may have to save my pennies for that one…
        I actually just bought the Chardonnay cask Glen Moray from Dan Murphys – what do you think about that one?

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      2. Barry Bradford Avatar

        The Chardonnay cask for its price is a very good whisky – a great summer dram, sweet and drying like the wine – I reviewed it here: https://thewhiskyphiles.com/2013/09/24/glen-moray-10-year-old-chardonnay-cask/
        I have also sampled the 25 port at one of the whisky festivals and it is well worth saving up for!

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  3. Kavalan Concertmaster ~ 40% (King Car Group) | The Whiskyphiles Avatar

    […] A very pleasing and tactile whisky, great to nose and swirl around the palate, perhaps a little low in ABV and some youthfulness are hinted at, less sweet on the palate than the nose would suggest but still thick and syrupy balanced by a little spice and citric zestiness. Another grand example from Kavalan, compared to other (unpeated) Port-Cask finished whiskies we have sampled this is easily on par with the likes of Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban  and  Glencadam 12 Years Old Port Wood Finish and superior to the Glen Moray Classic Port Cask Finish […]

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