Glen Moray has unveiled two limited edition single malts as part of its Warehouse 1 Collection. Created from some of the distillery’s earliest experiments with Rioja casks, the latest additions — Glen Moray Rioja Cask Matured and Glen Moray Peated Rioja Cask Finish — reflect the distillery’s exploration of the influence Rioja red wine casks can have on whisky.
These small-batch, cask-strength whiskies showcase the interplay between Glen Moray’s spirit and the rich, fruity notes drawn from Spanish-sourced Rioja casks. The eight-year-old Rioja Cask Matured expression offers a full maturation in the red wine casks, delivering deep flavours of cherries, plums, and leather.
A few years later, the 11-year-old Peated Rioja Cask Finish combines a lightly peated Glen Moray aged in bourbon barrels with an additional period in Rioja casks, infusing the whisky with an entirely different flavour — it’s got a smoky, fruity complexity.
“The whiskies of our Warehouse 1 Collection are among some of our most intriguing single malts,” explains Glen Moray Brand Ambassador Iain Allan. “And these two limited editions aged in Rioja red wine casks are sure to appeal to inquisitive whisky enthusiasts. Deep and fruity, with notes of cherries, plums and leather, Glen Moray Rioja Matured is a dram as rich as it is rare, whilst our Peated Rioja Finish offers a delicious smoky take on our Speyside whisky. We are confident that both will appeal to the whisky lovers worldwide.”
Both of these releases highlight Glen Moray’s ongoing passion for experimenting with different woods and cask ageing, a practice that has been at the heart of the distillery since it opened its doors in 1897.
Glen Moray Rioja Cask Matured 2015
£85
On the nose, a vibrant symphony of cherries and plums unfolds, mingling with the unexpected freshness of green grapes. As you delve deeper, rich scents of caramel emerge, balanced by the earthy allure of vintage leather and herbal undertones. The first sip is full-bodied and bold, offering a burst of fruity tobacco sweetness. This richness is beautifully contrasted by the dry tannins and a subtle tingling acidity that keeps the palate refreshed. As the flavours evolve, the finish reveals itself as a gentle fade of ripe fruit, with hints of oak and a more pronounced tannic edge lingering, inviting you back for another sip.
Glen Moray Peated Rioja Cask Finish 2012
£104
A soft wisp of peat smoke introduces this dram, gently weaving through aromas of warm toffee, fairground candy floss, and ripe orchard fruits. The peat remains subtle on the palate, providing a gentle bonfire glow that leads into the sweet, juicy richness of plums and cherries. As the whisky unfolds, a touch of spice and tannic dryness add depth, while a subtle acidity brings a refreshing lift. The finish is long and satisfying, with the smoke slowly drifting over lingering tobacco notes and the warmth of stone fruits, leaving a lasting impression of sweet, smoky indulgence.
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