Single Malt
Scotland
1 Jan 1986
Limited edition Glen Moray? Gosh, why not? This little beauty was distilled in 1986 and spent the lion's share of its maturation period in ex-bourbon casks before it was finished in port pipes, giving it not just a pleasing ruby hue, but also a subtle sweetness that balances brilliantly with the spicy notes from the bourbon casks.
This review was for the 1987 batch 2, not the 1986 batch 1.
The whisky has quite a sweet aroma of port / spiced fruit, with oak. On the palate it is quite remarkable. There is a simultaneous contrast between some very interesting, dry to sour oakey tannins, and that Port sweetness. The result is a burst of juciness in the mouth, and the urge to literally chew. I found myself chewing with each sip, and smacking my lips afterward. The finish is strong, fading into a vanilla-oak flavour. I had hoped for slightly more complexity of flavour in the finish, perhaps would have preferred it bottled at a higher strength. It's a fantastic whisky that stays in the memory afterward. Good value, even the oak presentation box smells great.
