Glen Moray Elgin Classic Cabernet Cask Finish - 40%

 

From the distillery website 

Sweet and full-bodied, the unique character created by finishing in Cabernet Sauvignon red wine casks is testament to our long-held passion for bringing new flavours to Glen Moray by experimenting with different styles of cask. Our spirit is first matured in American oak then finished in French red wine casks, becoming rich with dark chocolate and intense spice. The rare combination of oak and red wine flavours creates a beautifully rounded whisky with a distinctive character, a delight for both traditional single malt fans and those looking to explore something new.

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Yellow gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow, thin legs.

Nose: Crisp green apples, light hints of grape.

Palate: Creamy mouthfeel. Vanilla Slice cakes, dark chocolate enrobed honeycomb toffee, honey, warming cinnamon and a touch of barrel char.

Finish: Honey and sweet vanilla, dark chocolate nibs, baking spice and a more charred oak.

Summary: Another from the Glen Moray Classic range, all of which (with the exception of the peated cask version) are characterized by being essentially the same mix of 4, 6 & 9 year old bourbon cask matured whiskies which are then finished in different cask types. 

That Glen Moray bourbon cask influence forms a strong foundation for this expression, with the cabernet cask bringing a little more depth, a dark chocolate note and a healthy dose of spice. 

As with the standard Elgin Classic and Sherry Cask finish this is a good quality, easy sipping whisky with a retail price below £30. Great value and well worth having a punt on, despite the 40% abv.

If you would like to know more about Glen Moray and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.

Transparency: This sample was part of a 5 dram sample set, purchased from The Spirits Embassy. No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.