Simon Wittenberg explores the third expression to be added to the Speyside distillery’s ‘Elgin Curiosity Range’.
Glen Moray, based in the ancient Scottish town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside region, has unveiled the latest addition to its Curiosity Range of experimental limited edition single malt whiskies. Named ‘Madeira Cask Project’, only 1,468 bottles have been made available to purchase in the UK, with a recommended retail price of £65.
The limited quantity is due to the fact that only seven ex-sweet Madeira casks were laid down in ‘Warehouse 1’ back in 2006, home to the distillery’s maturation experiments.
After maturing for a period of 13 years and ten months to be precise, the ‘hidden treasure’ was discovered after being sampled by the company’s new Head of Whisky Creation, Dr Kirstie McCallum.
The result is a single malt whisky that combines Glen Moray’s classic Speyside style with the sweet fruit and toffee influences of Madeira, a subtropical Portuguese island that lies to the west of Morocco. When looking at the tasting notes, the nose is dominated by fig, dark chocolate and dates balanced with sweet pears, berries and subtle exotic spices.
On the important subject of taste, whisky connoisseurs will enjoy black coffee and figs, which lead on to sweet oak, poached pears and soft fruit. The rich and lingering finish delivers hints of exotic spices and dried fruit.
Talking about Glen Moray’s Madeira Cask Project single malt, Dr Kirstie McCallum said: “Single malt whisky matured in Madeira casks has been prized in the industry before, but typically the casks have only been used to ‘finish’ more conventionally matured whisky. That’s what makes this new expression so very special.
Our new make spirit has been slowly mingling with the luxuriously sweet flavours of Madeira for nearly 14 years, giving a depth of flavour and an intense character that couldn’t otherwise be created. It’s a delicious dram, a dessert in a glass, and we are very much looking forward to sharing it with whisky drinkers in the UK.”
Glen Moray Madeira Cask Project – Where and How?
Glen Moray Madeira Cask Project is a UK exclusive release bottled at 46.3% ABV at its natural colour and is non-chill filtered. It is on sale now in specialist whisky shops, including Master of Malt, priced at £65 (excluding any delivery charges).
Watch a video of Dr Kirstie McCallum, Glen Moray’s Head of Whisky Creation, and Brand Ambassador Iain Allan, introducing the new expression at https://youtu.be/q-WNtGCLrgY.