Glen Moray Elgin Classic Sherry Cask Finish is a no-age-statement Speyside single malt produced at Glen Moray Distillery in Elgin, Scotland, and owned by French spirits group La Martiniquaise. It is first matured for approximately 6-7 years in North American ex-bourbon barrels, then finished for 9-12 months in Oloroso sherry casks sourced from Jerez, Spain. The whisky is bottled at 40% ABV and retails for around $30.
Earthy aromas suggest dried apricot, hay and sandalwood. The light but drying palate echoes that sandalwood note, leading into dried fruit and finishing with mild hints of smoke, violet and cinnamon.
Medium-bodied, with caramel, dark chocolate-cherry liqueur, and warming spices. The finish yields black currant, cough medicine, then allspice, and slowly drying oak.
The typical orange peel notes of a sherry-finished whisky aren’t immediately evident here, but some of that sweetness (a cinnamon sugar note) comes forward as you tuck into the palate, revealing not just some citrus but a body that is heavy with nuts, marzipan, and coffee cake.