Glen Moray 21 Years Port Wood Single Malt Whisky

Glen Moray 21 Years Port Wood Single Malt Whisky, Glen Moray is currently controlled by French conglomerate La Martiniquaise, and a substantial portion of their malt is blended into Label 5, a popular blend whisky in France.  Moray has historically been one of the most willing distilleries to focus on nontraditional barrel finishes, incorporating a multitude of wine barrels including chenin blanc and chardonnay into their repertoire.

The Elgin Heritage collection debuted in 2016 with the 12 year, 15 year and 18 year expressions.  The 21 year, Portwood finish is the oldest of the Elgin Heritage collection and the newest addition to the roster.  Not a huge release by any means, but it is far from experimental.

This isn’t Glen Moray’s first foray into the 20+ year old whisky market, but it is their most recent and the one most heavily marketed as an entry into the world of well-aged, luxury whiskies. Given their history with solid, value minded whiskies I’m more than willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Let’s taste!

Tasting Notes: Glen Moray 21 Year Old Portwood Finish

Vital Stats:  46.3% abv, non-chill filtered,  malted barley, 21 years, 2 year portwood finish,

Appearance:  A thin, radiant amber, quite a bit less tawny than would be expected. There’s light sheeting with medium length legs.

Nose: There’s a very nice representation of ripe plums, vanilla Werther’s candies, and golden cane sugar, with blueberry scones and crystalized ginger lurking underneath. This whisky is very pleasant, if a touch unremarkable for a whisky of this age, to smell.

Palate: The opening salvo is sweet and a little prickly, with waves of ripe dark fruit and caramel.  Baking spices and Armagnac soaked prunes appear towards the end..

It comes across as remarkably balanced and lean, for better or for worse.