This scotch was actually a recommendation to me by a friend as his favorite budget single malt. My current has been Deanston, and in truth I can understand his reasoning. The problem is that in terms of scotch I’m a highland and Islay kind of man, and while a Speyside or Lowland is always welcome – it’s just not what gets my blood pumping.
This was luckily for me an easy pickup while in New Hampshire – I had actually tried it at a convention where I shared a room with said friend, but if I’m honest that weekend was about getting black out drunk and I can’t even fathom my handwriting, besides I can’t pass up a good budget scotch.
What they Say: “Glen Moray Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been distilled in the city of Elgin, the capital of Speyside, lies at the heart of Scotland’s most famous malt whisky producing region. The city is situated within the Laich of Moray, also known as the Granary of Scotland and is famous for its malting barley and mild, even climate – hence the ancient saying proclaiming that it has more sunshine than any other poart of the country.
Glen Moray Classic is matured in traditional low roofed warehouses allowing its light and refreshing character to emerge. A subtle Speyside malt, Glen Moiary Classic is matured in oak casks producing a whisky which is light gold in colour and gently spiced with fruity butterscotch notes.
Glen Moray Classic Single Malt Scotch Whisky has a smooth and rounded taste, ideal for drinking at any time.”
Taste: 6.0 – It’s light with some great bits of peat and fruit.
Aftertaste: 6.0 – And it doesn’t feel like a Speyside at first blush with the aftertaste, but it becomes more unique towards the end.
Burn/Smooth: 4.5 – There is a certain twinge of burn here, with no real warmth.
Aroma: 5.5 – It’s a great smelling Speyside whiskey, but I just wish there was a better sense of power to it.
Honesty: 6.5 – It wanks a little bit, but not too much. Of course being a single malt it does well here.
Mixability: 6.0
W/ Rocks: 6.0 – Here it becomes a much more powerful whisky, and the peat really comes forward.
Rusty Nail: 6.0 – Actually a pretty decent rusty nail.
Value: 4.5 –I actually got this for much cheaper because New Hampshire, but at this price even for a budget single malt – not sure if it’s worth it, especially with Grand Macnish.
Google Shop Average: $26
Website: http://www.glenmoray.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 6.0
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Metric Score: 39/70 |+| Metric Average: 5.57 |+| Reviewer Average: 6.0
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Final Thoughts: While I’m not a huge fan of it, credit where it’s due this isn’t a terribly great value for what it is – there’s some blends I’d rather pick up, but it’s actually not terrible on other accounts.
It’s actually the 12 year that I really like! Try that one, it’s better.
Beautiful. Peppery.