Glen Moray 13 Year (2002), Alexander Murray
Whisky: Glen Moray 13 Year (2002), Alexander Murray
Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside
ABV: 53.4%
Cask: Refill Bourbon Barrels
Age: 13 Years (Distilled 2002)
Nose: Mellow apples and pears, birch bark and vanilla, herbal tea, fresh wood chips, clay and wood mulch in the garden bed.
Palate: Medium-bodied, malty sugars and crisp orchard fruits, caramel apples, charred wood, garden wood chips, hints of earthy clay, peppercorns and chicory, more herbal toward the end with a touch of citrus and vanilla.
Finish: Medium to long finish with crushed apples, brown sugar, and hefty oak.
Score: 5
Mental Image: Empty Apple Barrels
Narrative & Notes: Pleasant and simple; that is my stock description whenever anyone asks me about Glen Moray, and it held true for this whisky. The aroma and flavor profile were pleasant and enjoyable, with plenty of apples, sugars, herbs, and oak. The finish was the most impressive aspect, as it lingered for quite a while with good intensity. I expected a few drops of water might bring out some of the more subtle citrus and cream, but any amount I added washed out most of the complexity and brought forward bitter oak and herbs. I was surprised as this seemed like the sort of whisky that could open up further.
Overall, this is not a life-changing or affirming whisky, but it was lovely. Alexander Murray has historically been a budget bottler who occasionally puts out some real treasures, especially these affordable cask-strength single malts. I have not seen the label quite as much lately, not outside of the bespoke bottlings they do, but they have always been worth a gamble in the past.
You can also check out my buddy Scotch&Sheen’s review here.
