Glen Moray 1967 25y (43%, OB 1993, 395 btl.)

Fruity nose. Apricot, vanilla and honey. The sherry cask is easily recognizable. Something of freshly baked bread as well. After a while, it opens up with hints of red fruit and kirsch. Mouth: notes of wood (subtle though), vanilla again, and cooked fruits. The nose was more interesting, but still no faults whatsoever. The finish is more spicy (clove) and tends to chocolate and black tea.

This is a textbook example of good Speyside whisky. It has a perfectly classic profile: soft, round, sweet-fruity and a great balance. Well made.

Score: 87/100.

Duncan Taylor had a few similar releases (cask range #70xx), it wouldn’t surprise me if they were related.

Glen Moray 36 yo 1973 (53,1%,
The Whisky Agency ‘Perfect Dram’ 2010,
joint bottling with Three Rivers Tokyo,
bourbon hogshead, 301 btl.)

Nose: stewed fruits (apricots, prunes) with tropical touches (mango, melon, coconut). A lot of vanilla and oak, or rather oak polish, which gives this one a bit of a bourbon profile, maybe even a Japanese oak character. Beehive notes (honey, wax) and spices (cinnamon, mint). Mouth: again oaky with bags of spices (cinnamon, vanilla, pepper, nutmeg). Fruity notes like plums and oranges. Hints of coconut and pineapple. Sweet malt. Some leathery touches. Finish: long and vibrant with oranges and spices.

A little water takes away the harshness of the oak and releases its full potential of nice fruits, wax and spices. A nice surprise with a slightly exotic character.
Around € 170, but we’re too late now…

Score: 90/100