Cask Explorers: Glen Moray’s Bold New Offerings from Warehouse 1

Whisky enthusiasts, get ready to embark on a flavor journey like no other with Glen Moray’s latest releases, as they shine the spotlight on the captivating influence of red wine casks from Rioja, Spain. For over 125 years, Glen Moray has proudly been part of the Elgin community in Scotland’s Speyside region, continuously pushing the boundaries of flavor with their diverse cask program.

Once the first drops flowed from the stills on 13 September 1897, the distillery’s focus on exploration has been at the core of its rich heritage. Situated just on the outskirts of Elgin, the distillery crafts a luxurious, viscous spirit thanks to the dedication and craftsmanship of a small team led by distillery manager Ross Murphy and head of whisky creation Stephen Woodcock. Their daily operations result in a complex, fruity new-make spirit that evolves during its years of maturation in an exciting variety of oak casks.

Exploring Glen Moray’s casks through the years.

The Explorer Range by Glen Moray offers whisky aficionados the chance to experience an enticing spectrum of aromas and tastes. By artfully using spirit matured in ex-bourbon barrels with finishing casks containing sherry, port, and even table wine, the Glen Moray team has mastered the art of creating whiskies tailored for everyone—whether you’re new to whisky or a seasoned enthusiast. Speaking of harmony, the marriage of wine and whisky is a perfect symphony of flavors that does not go unnoticed.

Under the visionary guidance of Woodcock and his crew, they delve into the nuances that oak and wine impart to whisky. From capturing the expressive notes of peat-smoked variants to enhancing the subtleties of unpeated styles, their work bears significant fruit, and one can only imagine the thrill of creation. A quote from Woodcock rings true:

“At every opportunity, we look to enhance the complexities that our whisky offers.”

Following a successful redesign of the Explorer Range, Glen Moray has also given its Heritage Range a makeover. The updated aesthetics now share a bold, contemporary flair that perfectly encapsulates the spirits inside. Featuring age statements that range from 12 to 18 years old, the new bottles are adorned with vivid color accents and elegant gold lettering, highlighting the premium quality of the aged stocks behind them.

Glen Moray’s refreshed Heritage Collection showcases its longevity and evolution.

Glen Moray’s deep connection to innovative cask maturation harks back to its inception. Historical records illustrate that even in the late 1800s, the distillery was keen to experiment with various cask types, including Marsala and sherry casks, to enhance its spirit. Given its proximity to the Moray coast and its maritime resources, Glen Moray was uniquely positioned to import exotic casks from across the globe.

Today, the distillery is part of French company La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, which has bolstered its cask selection considerably since their acquisition in 2008. Glen Moray’s newfound access to an array of quality casks has undoubtedly contributed to their ongoing success in crafting unique spirits.

With options like Glen Moray Twisted Vine, fully matured in French oak ex-Cognac casks, fans are treated to a creamy, spicy experience that has earned it an average rating of 8.1 from Whisky Magazine. Moreover, Phoenix Rising has made quite a statement by winning Best Scotch Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2024, perfectly illustrating the distillery’s ability to surprise and enthrall whisky lovers worldwide.

Discover the richness that innovative cask maturation can yield.

Among Glen Moray’s most exciting offerings this year is the Warehouse 1 Collection. Bearing the name of the warehouse that nurtures its most daring single malts, this collection invites whisky lovers on an adventurous journey of taste. The newest additions to the Warehouse 1 Collection feature two stunning whiskies matured in Rioja red wine casks, released at cask strength and non-chill filtered, retaining all their natural vibrancy and character.

Now, Glen Moray’s Explorer, Heritage, and Warehouse 1 collections provide an array of intriguing, elegant, and innovative whisky options, addressing every stage of a whisky enthusiast’s journey. The new branding further accentuates their commitment to premium quality and contemporary style. This distillery might be over a century old, but Glen Moray continuously proves that evolving while honoring tradition is the key to crafting exceptional whiskies.

Step into the world of Glen Moray and explore their exciting range of offerings today. For more information, visit Glen Moray’s Official Site.