Glen Moray, the Speyside distillery known for its adventurous and experimental approach, has added two new whiskies to its innovative Warehouse 1 collection. These additions, Glen Moray Rioja Matured and Glen Moray Peated Rioja Finish, explore the unique influence of Rioja red wine casks on whisky.
A New Venture into Rioja Casks
The team at Glen Moray sourced Rioja red wine casks from Spain and experimented with them in different ways to create these distinct whiskies. Brand ambassador Iain Allan explained, “The whiskies of our Warehouse 1 Collection are among some of our most intriguing and experimental single malts. These two limited editions aged in Rioja red wine casks are sure to appeal to inquisitive whisky enthusiasts.”
Glen Moray Rioja Matured
The first of the new releases is the Glen Moray Rioja Matured. This eight-year-old whisky is entirely aged in Rioja casks, resulting in a rich, full-bodied expression of a Speyside single malt. The distillery describes this whisky as having deep and fruity notes, including cherries, plums, leather, and oak. Bottled at a cask strength of 59.8% ABV, it promises a robust and intense flavor profile.
Glen Moray Peated Rioja Finish
The second release is the Glen Moray Peated Rioja Finish, an 11-year-old whisky that starts with a lightly peated spirit matured in bourbon casks before being finished in Rioja casks. This process imparts a gentle smoke to the whisky, complemented by plummy flavors. Allan noted, “With its gentle smoke and plummy tastes, Glen Moray Peated Rioja Finish is a fascinatingly different take on Glen Moray.” This expression is bottled at a slightly lower cask strength of 58.8% ABV, offering a balanced yet complex tasting experience.
Continuing a Tradition of Innovation
These new releases follow Glen Moray’s tradition of experimenting with different casks, which has included their Explorer range. The distillery's willingness to explore and innovate is evident in these unique whiskies, which highlight the versatility and depth that different cask finishes can bring to their spirits.
Availability
Both Glen Moray 2015 Rioja Matured and Glen Moray 2012 Peated Rioja Finish will be available in limited quantities across the UK, US, and several other international markets, including France, the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. Whisky enthusiasts can also find them at the Glen Moray Distillery in Elgin, Speyside.
For those looking to experience something new and intriguing in the world of whisky, these Rioja cask-aged expressions from Glen Moray offer a tantalizing glimpse into the creative possibilities of cask maturation.
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About Glen Moray Distillery
Glen Moray is a Scotch whisky distillery located in Elgin, a town in the Speyside region of Scotland. Established in 1897, the distillery has a long and storied history in the production of single malt Scotch whiskies. Glen Moray is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and traditional methods, producing a range of expressions that showcase the character of the Speyside region.
One of the notable features of Glen Moray is its dedication to experimentation and cask maturation. The distillery has gained recognition for its innovative cask finishes, where whisky is aged in casks that previously held different types of wine or spirits. This approach adds unique and diverse flavor profiles to the whiskies, providing enthusiasts with a range of expressions to explore.
Glen Moray offers a variety of expressions in its core range, including the Glen Moray Elgin Classic, Glen Moray 12-Year-Old, and Glen Moray 18-Year-Old. Each expression is crafted with a focus on balance and complexity, showcasing the influence of both traditional oak casks and the distinctive characteristics imparted by innovative cask finishes.
The distillery's location in Speyside, a region known for its lush landscapes and pure water sources, contributes to the quality of Glen Moray whiskies. The water used in the production process comes from the nearby River Lossie, known for its soft and pure qualities that enhance the whisky's flavors.
Visitors to Glen Moray Distillery can enjoy guided tours that take them through the whisky-making process, from malting and fermentation to distillation and maturation. The tours often include tastings of the distillery's various expressions, allowing guests to appreciate the diversity and craftsmanship that define Glen Moray whiskies. With a blend of tradition and innovation, Glen Moray continues to be a respected name in the world of Scotch whisky.
