Glen Moray launches cider cask-finished whisky

by Owen Bellwood

Speyside distillery Glen Moray has unveiled the first whisky in its Elgin Curiosity Range, which has been finished in ex-cider casks.

The Glen Moray Cider Cask Project is the first expression to be released from the new collection, which has been created to embrace the distillery’s “passion for experimentation and the desire to push boundaries”. The whisky has been aged for several months in casks that were previously used by Scottish cider maker Thistly Cross. Graham Coull, Glen Moray master distiller, said: “For me the inspiration was simple. When I first tasted the Whisky Cask Cider it was immediately obvious that the whisky flavours complemented the cider flavours perfectly. The logical next step for me was to see what the cider could bring to the whisky. “As master distiller of this historic distillery, I am keen to constantly evolve and create new whiskies which showcase the quality and breadth of whiskies which we can produce, reinforcing our message that Glen Moray is the gateway to flavour.” The non-chill-filtered whisky is bottled at 46.3% abv and is said to be “light and fresh” with flavours of “caramelised apple laced with spice mixed with vanilla fudge”. The expression carries an RRP of £54.99 (US$71) and will be exclusively available from The Whisky Exchange until the end of October, when it will also be stocked in additional select spirits retailers. Earlier this year, Coull unveiled his entry into the Spirit of Speyside's inaugural Oatcake Eating World Championships.