Glen Moray is renowned for its affordable core range, which offers a variety of options for entry-level enthusiasts. Their extensive Elgin Classic collection is celebrated for its budget-friendly single malts, featuring a diverse array of finishes to suit all preferences. As you explore their Heritage range, you’ll find high-quality aged single malts that remain reasonably priced, unlike the steep increases often seen with competitors. However, for those seeking even older or more unique expressions, rare one-offs (like the Glen Moray Mastery) or independent bottlings are the way to go. Today, we’re comparing two single casks aged 30 years or more: a Glen Moray 1986 SMWS vs 1991 The Whisky Barrel.
Glen Moray 1991 30-year-old The Whisky Barrel Review
We begin with a 1991 Glen Moray, bottled at 30 years old by The Whisky Barrel in 2022 as part of their Portfolio series, celebrating their fifteenth anniversary. This expression was fully matured in a First Fill Palo Cortado Sherry cask (No. TWB1026), yielding 152 bottles at cask strength (54.8%), with no added colouring or chill filtration. Initially priced around £330, it was later discounted, and I purchased it for approximately €200 in early 2023. It is now sold out, so your best chance of acquiring one would be through an auction.
Colour:
Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: Rich aromas of raisins, dried fruits like dates and figs, toffees, and wine gums. Notes of chocolate sponge cake, a subtle hint of soy sauce, fudge, and warm spices.
With water: Enhanced chocolate notes, dried orange peel, and a hint of dusty oak shelves. The nose becomes slightly sharper.
Palate:
Neat: Initially light, quickly turning creamy. Sweet flavours of raisins in milk chocolate lead, followed by a spicy kick of oak, pepper, Tabasco, and cloves. Citrus notes add tartness, with minimal wood influence despite its age. Toffee and hints of red fruit coulis over panna cotta.
With water: Flavours of brown sugar and butterscotch emerge, along with more pronounced citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Spices are still present but lean more towards pepper. The palate becomes vibrant with water, revealing a balanced oak presence and a velvety mouthfeel.
Finish:
A generous serving of chocolate mousse, with a touch of oak and tannins providing astringency and dryness. A warm, lingering finish with a generous pinch of pepper and Espelette pepper.
Comments:
This Glen Moray 1991 The Whisky Barrel is very good but I expected more. Fortunately, the flavours on the palate unlock with a few drops of water. Goes from 7 (neat) to 7.5 (after a small reduction).
Rating: 7.5/10
Glen Moray 1986 SMWS 35.270 33-year-old At the end of a perfect day Review
Next, we explore a 1986 Glen Moray, bottled at 33 years old, by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society around 2020. This expression was initially matured in an ex-bourbon hogshead before being finished in a second-fill toasted hogshead. The cask produced 273 bottles at 53.3% ABV, with no added colouring or chill filtration. Like the 1991 TWB, it is now sold out, having originally retailed for £330.
Colour:
Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: More intense than the Whisky Barrel expression, featuring rich aromas of raisins, dates, figs, and an unlit cigar. Notes of dark chocolate, toasted oak, butterscotch, and caramel liqueur.
With water: Dark caramel and a hint of dusty leather emerge, evoking classic crêpes Suzette with orange and caramel sauce flambéed with Grand Marnier.
Palate:
Neat: Begins with a warm caramel arrival, followed by tabasco sauce and hints of beef stock. Flavours of raisins, warm custard, maple syrup-covered waffles, brown sugar, and tobacco leaves contribute to a syrupy mouthfeel.
With water: Oh yes. Delightful notes of orange and caramel, dark chocolate sauce on brioche bread pudding, complemented by warm spices and a rich espresso undertone.
Finish:
Warm, lingering, and drying, with persistent notes of caramel and tobacco.
Comments:
This Glen Moray 1986 SMWS is another exquisite offering that truly comes to life with just a few drops of water. The addition of water beautifully amplifies its complexity, making it gorgeously gourmet. A great whisky.
Rating: 8/10
Thanks Mika! Pictures courtesy of Whiskybase.