A peaty expression joins Glen Moray's Classic range! Reasonably laid-back for a peated expression, but by no means lazy, this Speyside single malt Scotch whisky balances peaty whiffs with plenty of vanilla, and some fragrant elements as some of the distillery's usual character makes its way through. One for those newer to peaty whisky, as well as peat fans, and great value.
Familiar peat smoke off the bat, with characteristic butteriness developing.
Smoke never gets too intense, but plays a central role alongside vanilla and orchard fruit.
A little bit peppery, though still enjoyably sweet.
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Bought on offer from Tesco at £18.00 and represents phenomenal value for money at that price. No absolute star quality but once I started this bottle I couldn't stop going back to it despite having plenty of good whisky in the house. A very competent tipple at bargain basement money!
Punches above price
Let's just be reasonable: if you are afraid you might hate peat, but curious, what can you get for less to try it? And even if you like peat, this one is well made. Young but not harsh, peaty, but not a full blast. Citrus/apples/malt, reasonable sweetness, nice light color.
I gave it 5 stars to reflect value, not to imply that it's amazing. I enjoy Laphroaig and Lagavulin, but also like subtler peat options, like Highland Park and unpeated malts from Speyside and Highlands. I generally avoid overpriced NAS bottles, but at this price (and I got the one with 2 glasses for $25US) it's priced just right. I can't think of a cheaper single malt except for NDS (no distillery statement) McClelland's. Peat is more pronounced with younger malts anyway, so peated NAS malts could be more relevant, as long as they're not overpriced. Well, this one is nice - the peat is strong (not as strong as the Islay firebrands) and upfront, but there's plenty of fresh fruity maltiness to balance it, and some sweetness, too, but not too much. I just tasted it again yesterday after sampling Lagavulin 12 a few days ago (2016 bi-centennial edition at 57.7% cask strength). No, not comparing them, they're different. But for 40% Glen Moray Peated is very fair - full bodied, no ethanol harshness. And I like how the color doesn't suggest too much E150a. IMHO Glen Moray should try releasing some older, age-stated, peated versions as well as bottling without chill-filtration, 46%+, without colorant. Possibly a slight re-design of the bottle and label/box/colors might help, too, but not important to me.
Overall, that's a pretty good scotch for the price (39 CAD). It's the first peated scotch under 62$ I've seen in Quebec. Reminds me of Teacher's Highland Cream. Good everyday dram.
