Glen Moray has launched the second expression in its Warehouse 1 Collection, the Glen Moray 2005 Tokaji Finish. The UK-exclusive Scotch whisky follows the November release of a Sauternes Cask Matured Whisky.
Glen Moray’s Warehouse 1 Collection is named after the Elgin-based distillery’s Warehouse 1, which is home to innovative, maturing casks.
The new addition to the collection was distilled in October 2005 and finished in oak casks that previously held Tokaji Aszú dessert wine from Hungary. Bottled at a cask strength of 56.3% ABV, Five Tokaji casks from the warehouse were used to create 1,244 bottles for the UK market.
“When our distillers talk about Warehouse 1 it’s almost as if they’re letting you into a secret,” said Glen Moray brand ambassador Iain Allan. :This is their special space for experimentation, innovation and patiently waiting for the character of each whisky to develop. Our team searches the world for interesting casks and they’re not afraid to push the boundaries, try the unusual and creatively combine Glen Moray whisky with unexpected casks. In this case, we have turned to Tokaji, which is a very old but lesser-known wine that has created a wonderful, flavour-packed dram that we’re very proud to release.”
On the nose, the whisky delivers “a full-on sweetshop of aromas… from the outset: sugared almonds, caramel toffees and freshly baked gingerbread. Sweet sugars hold back the fresh fruit character traditional with a Glen Moray spirit but you can just about make them out, lingering in the background.” The palate is described as “Beginning with a taste that is slightly malty, biscuity and hinting at freshly baked bread. The sweetness that stood strong in the nose comes through on the taste but is not as big as expected. Maple syrup on Scottish pancakes along with warm pecan pie.” The finish features “nutty, almond marzipan which is long and lingering.”
For the new release, Glen Moray has given the Warehouse 1 Collection a complete redesign.
The new bottling is the first of three releases scheduled for the range in 2021. All will use casks that previously held wine from across Europe.
“It’s also very fitting that Warehouse 1 now has its own new and distinctive identity,” said Allan. “This is a mark that signifies exclusive, small-scale releases, non-chill-filtered and bottled at cask strength and with natural colour.”
Glen Moray Warehouse 1 2005 Tokaji Finish is available in the UK from specialist whisky shops for £75 ($106 USD) per 700ml.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Earlier this month, Glen Moray launched its exclusive Private Cask Collection with a 13-year-old Marsala cask-finished whisky.