Glen Moray is developing quite a reputation for fine-tasting drams at sensible prices, and its latest Twisted Vine single malt Scotch whisky continues that trend.
The Speyside distillery has matured the expression in ex-Cognac casks, giving the whisky a new richness and depth that complements the smooth and balanced style of Glen Moray nicely. There’s the sweetness of dried fruits, nuts and spices alongside deep woody flavours developed from the casks, each made of oak grown in the Cognac region.
Inspiration for Twisted Vine came from Glen Moray’s history of unusual cask maturation, a practice its teams have been pioneering right back to the Distillery’s origins in 1897.
“The record books show that Glen Moray was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to explore the effects of unusual casks on maturation of our spirit,” says Glen Moray global ambassador and visitor centre
manager Iain Allan. “This playful, pioneering approach to flavour is very much part of what drinkers love about our whiskies today, and it’s why we are so thrilled to be unveiling this wonderful new expression.
“Twisted Vine is matured in Cognac casks, and all that extra time in such fruity, flavourful wood has created a stunning whisky with a rich but accessible flavour that can be enjoyed by everyone. It’s perfect neat as a dram, mixed in a cocktail or as a special gift for anyone looking to put a twist on their classic whisky serve.”
Tasted: Glen Moray Twisted Vine
While there’s a storied history at the Elgin-based distillery — dating back to 1897 and involving disputes with neighbours, associations with rivals, changes in ownership and ongoing experimentations with maturation — it counts for nothing if the dram isn’t up to scratch.
You’ll find a mix of coffee notes, sweet dried fruits with caramel, a nutty hint, and the Cognac oak on the nose. It’s all you’d expect, but not in any way overwhelming. Taste the Twisted Vine, and you’ll be met with an initial sweet hit, loaded with caramel and honey paired with more sweet, dried fruits — think currants, sultanas and maybe even some apple. That gives way to a blend of coffee, chocolates, oak notes and even a hint of citrus. It’s not complex, but there are a lot of flavours bouncing around. The finish lingers pleasantly, not overstaying its welcome, with more fruit that fades to a general sweetness.
It’s not an expensive drink — Glen Moray is selling bottles for £28 in specialist outlets, but it’s also going to be hitting mainstream supermarkets like Asda and Morrisons — but it’s been thoughtfully produced. It would be easy to boost the Cognac flavours to mask an immature drink, but even if that’s the case on this non-age statement whisky, the result is a pleasing expression that belies its price tag.
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