Glen Moray 12 Years Old, Chenin Blanc Finish

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 4 by Michael Jackson and Jim Murray.

Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes.

• Issue 4 online • Buy issue 4 (£5.95)
• Subscribe to Whisky Magazine (from £28.38)
• Preview current issue (73) • Preview other issues online

Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Pears, walnuts, fresh oak. Palate Pears in cream; late, lively, peachy fruitiness. Garden mint Finish Raisiny, also resiny. Fresh oak, soothing warmth. Comment Smooth body, beeswax-like. The wine adds an element, but many loyalists will miss the previous version.

Jim Murray Nose Altogether richer, more strident and confident. The wine effect is astonishing: sweet, overripe grapes balanced by a fabulous malty echo. Intriguingly smoky, too. Palate Soft and velvety on the palate. Charming spicy notes add to a complexity unusual for a Glen Moray. Finish Soft cocoa notes and some drying oak. The winey effect seems to linger while the spice battles to the end. Comment Glen Moray 12 Years Old used to be a bastion of ultra-malty simplicity. No more. Chenin Blanc barrels have added a delightful dimension.