Photography by @whiskeywales
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
In Warehouse 1, at the Glen Moray distillery you will often find Dr Kirstie McCallum, Head of Whisky Creation. With her nose primed, she is delving in to some exciting experimental casks, ready to select the next expression to be unleashed. Dr Kirstie, we are ready!
Tonight, along with some lucky others, I was able to take part in a virtual tasting with Dr Kristie McCallum and Iain Allan, brand ambassador. We were tasting the newly released Glen Moray Sauternes Cask. A cask strength whisky at 59.6% vol. Natural colour and non-chill filtered.
This whisky has had full cask maturation in sauternes cask and is not just finished in these casks which is quite unique. Dr Kirstie and Iain talked us through the story of the whisky and and we were fortunate enough to ask them some questions. Here are my notes from the session.
The first thing I want to mention is the colour of the whisky in the glass. Dark, bold and just a beautiful bronzed amber. Truly stunning to look at and it warms you by sight. A perfect dram for this time of year with Christmas lights and decorations adding to the glow in the glass.
Nose- up front I get treacle pudding and marzipan. There’s definite influence from the sauternes cask with the sweet wine notes coming through too. I also get a little bit of smoke around some lovely spices orange notes.
Palate- this is a powerhouse and the cask strength whisky provides a thick syrupy mouthfeel that I just loved. I don’t like anything too thin and this has viscosity in abundance. Woody fruits and a little bit of coffee are tasted.
Finish- very lonnnnng! Had a really sweet finish and just stays and stays.
The RRP of the whisky is £79.95 and is a U.K. exclusive. Definitely a seasonal whisky and perfect for the colder months. I can see this being enjoyed by many over the festive period. Santa. I hope you’re listening!
