Viniou Reviews
Glen Moray, hailing from the heart of Speyside, is renowned for producing approachable and elegantly crafted single malts. This 1-year-old expression, distilled in 2024, is truly unique and somewhat unconventional, as it showcases whisky in an extremely youthful stage. Crafted from 100% malted barley and distilled in traditional copper pot stills, Glen Moray's spirit is famed for its delicate, fruity profile and gentle character, typical of the region. The short maturation in oak casks provides just a light touch of wood influence, allowing the raw cereal notes and fresh distillate charm to shine through, offering aromas of green apple, pear, and a gentle sweetness that hints at vanilla and malt.
When it comes to serving, this nascent single malt opens up fascinating possibilities. For neat tasting, consider pouring a small measure into a tulip-shaped glass and letting it rest for a few minutes, as a brief aeration can help soften some youthful edges and coax out delicate esters. Since the whisky’s profile is lighter and less matured, a splash of water – around half a teaspoon – can help mellow the spirit further while releasing more fragrant notes. Glen Moray 1 Year Old also lends itself well as the star ingredient in contemporary highballs: simply pair with premium soda water and a zest of lemon for a bright, refreshing aperitif. For food pairings, its sweet, cereal-forward style works beautifully with creamy blue cheeses, smoked salmon on rye, or delicate desserts like poached pears.
To fully enjoy this whisky’s crisp and vibrant youthfulness, serve it slightly cool, ideally between 16-18°C. Resist chilling it too much, as excessive cold can mute those subtle fruity nuances. Remember, the true pleasure in tasting a 1-year-old Glen Moray lies in appreciating the remarkable journey from barley to spirit—capturing Speyside’s spirit in its purest and most unadorned form.
