Glen Moray Warehouse 1 Peated Rioja Cask Finish 2012 - 58.8%

From the distillery

Soft and gently smoky, our single malt is crafted from a lightly peated spirit. Aged in bourbon casks, then finished in Rioja red wine casks, this whisky unites sweet notes of plums and cherries with hints of far-off bonfires.

Tasting notes

Appearance: Burnished gold, clings to the glass before falling as thick, oily legs.

Nose: Bonfire toffee, green apples, icing sugar and a faint hint of soft smoke.

Palate: Russet apple juice, stoned fruit, subtle hints of bonfire smoke. With a few drops of water, gentle smoke, red berried fruit and caramel become more apparent together with drying tannins.

Finish: Dark chocolate and fruits of the forest compote interlaced with soft bonfire smoke and astringent oak, whilst cinnamon and cloves add spicy heat.

Summary: Lovely balance, such a beautifully put together whisky. The Rioja finish is very much in evidence and combines well with the influence of the initial bourbon maturation. The peat smoke is there but doesn’t overwhelm, instead it provides a soft, highly enjoyable, extra layer of complexity. Given the choice between this and the unpeated Warehouse 1 2015 Rioja Cask Matured, I would go for this one, but it’s a very close call between the two.

With whiskies this good in their range it’s a real mystery how Glen Moray can fly under the radar of many whisky drinkers. Whether that’s down to branding, or an association with lower priced bottlings on the supermarket shelf, they really do deserve more credit than they seem to get. 

If you would like more information on this whisky, the distillery or any of the other Glen Moray whiskies, follow the link to the company website.

Transparency: this sample was received free of charge for independent review. The author has no affiliation with the distillers and no goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested.