Smoky smooth: Glen Moray
Speyside distillery Glen Moray, a cask explorer since 1897, has launched its first fully peated expression – a 12-year-old Smoky single malt – aged in a combination of American and European oak.
For fans of smoky, peated whiskies, Speyside – Scotland’s most concentrated whisky distillery region – offers an exciting landscape with opportunities beyond the traditional offerings.
Distilleries like La Martiniquaise-Bardinet-owned Glen Moray are exploring peated expressions, enabling them to showcase “the unmistakable charm of Speyside”, now with a tantalising smoky twist.
Glen Moray 12-year-old Smoky single malt joins the distillery’s recently refreshed Heritage range, alongside the 12-year-old, 15-year-old, and 18-year-old expressions.
Each single malt offers a unique experience for whisky enthusiasts, highlighting Glen Moray’s artistry in cask exploration.
Smoky complements the range, with its harmonious, sophisticated smoky profile, while showcasing the distillery’s signature smooth character.
“The launch of the 12-year-old Smoky marks an exciting milestone for us at the distillery. Since we first started using peat in 2010, we’ve been patiently crafting and maturing our stock. Now, we’re proud to present our first fully peated, aged Glen Moray single malt,” says Iain Allan, global brand ambassador at Glen Moray. Crafted exclusively from peated barley, the whisky complements the influence of both European and American oak casks. American oak provides a smooth, sweet foundation, offering notes of vanilla and caramel, while European oak contributes layers of spice, subtle tannins, and depth.
“Cask exploration has been at the heart of what we do for many years and will remain a key focus for us in the future,” Allan explains. “This release perfectly embodies what Glen Moray stands for – heritage, exploration and a passion for exceptional quality whiskies. The launch of the 12-year-old Smoky marks an exciting chapter for us, marrying the fruity sweetness of peat with bold intrigue. Each sip offers a journey through layers of flavour.”
Bottled at 46.3% ABV and non-chill-filtered, Glen Moray Smoky reveals inviting aromas of gentle smoke mingled with orchard fruits and vanilla. On the palate, flavours of caramelised apples and baked plums blend seamlessly with a hint of peat, creating a beautifully balanced experience. The expression’s long, memorable finish transitions from rich fruity notes to smoky embers and oak tannins.
Glen Moray’s 12-year-old Smoky single malt whisky will be available globally from 2025, with a suggested retail price of around £50 (US$66) for a 700ml bottle.
The expression stands as an open invitation to explore, appealing to both seasoned enthusiasts seeking something unique and newcomers eager to experience the nuanced world of peated single malt Scotch.
Book your visit to the distillery www.glenmoray.com/book-your-visit.
Instagram: @glen_moray_whisky.
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