Glen Moray 2015 Rioja Cask

Is it time for a 8 year old, limited-edition, cask strength Speyside malt from one of the very first distilleries to ever market single malts? Let us introduce you to the Glen Moray 2015 Rioja Cask. As the name suggests this is fully matured in exotic Rioja wine casks. Rioja is a renowned wine region in northern Spain, famous for its high-quality red wines made primarily from Tempranillo grapes.

The Glen Moray 2015 Rioja Cask release is a limited-edition single malt whisky that showcases Glen Moray’s experimentation with cask finishes. It is part of their limited edition ‘Warehouse 1’ series.

Distilled in 2015 and aged for in ex-Rioja wine casks, this expression combines Glen Moray’s classic Speyside profile with rich fruit and soft tannin influences from the Rioja casks. Presented at a hearty cask strength of 59.8% this is a huge Speysider in any language.

Glen Moray is a classic Speyside distillery known for producing smooth, approachable single malts that are perfect for both newcomers and seasoned whisky drinkers alike. The distillery itself has been in operation since 1897. The Glen Moray team is known for its attention to detail, and their consistency in producing quality single malts over the years has earned them a loyal following.

Interestingly, Glen Moray was one of the first to market its single malt whisky as a stand-alone product. At the time, the majority of malt whisky produced was used in blended scotch and precious little was sold as ‘single malt whisky’. Ironically considering that, Glen Moray is also featured in the production of popular blends such as Ballantine’s and Label 5.

The distillery – located in Elgin – is well known for its experimentation with different types of casks, from sherry and port to chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. This variety allows for a wide range of flavour profiles, giving drinkers unique options.

Nose: Unburnt tobacco notes dominate at first but then stewed fruity notes start creeping through the cracks with sweet oakiness and some petrichor adding some real earthiness to the mix.

Palate: Intensely sweet is first impression. The alcohol is incredibly well integrated here with very little spice on the palate at all. A slight tannin astringency cuts through the otherwise sweet fruit notes nicely – a really well executed balancing act there.

Finish: Goes out with lots of flavour and very little fuss. Big sweet, stewed fruits and a subtle smokiness in the mix really adds depth.

At almost 60% abv this should be a beast – yet it’s really a gentle giant! No alcohol burn, no overbearing pepper on the palate, no real downside at all! Just big fruity flavour with a tempering crispness that prevent the palate becoming ‘over sweetened’. A surprising smokey note wafts almost unnoticed in the background – but pops during the finish. This is truly a contemplative whisky if ever there was ne. Be prepared to sit sipping and thinking for a while with this one!

This eight-year-old single malt joins the Warehouse 1 collection from Glen Moray. Distilled in March 2015, the whisky spent its full maturation in a host of Rioja red wine casks resulting in a decadent sipper, laden with vinous fruits and tannic oak character.

Nose: Toasted nuts, stewed dark plums and cherries, a touch of tobacco, and Fig Rolls.
Palate: Deep, dark notes of cherries, berries, and softly spiced fruit loaf, with leathery oak resting beneath.
Finish: Tannic notes of old leather, with a touch of vine leaf, peppercorn, and hazelnuts