Today is the first of a trio of articles where I’ll sample some new releases which were launched at Royal Mile Whiskies’ Whisky Fringe last month. Over the next few days, we’ll have a look at the new Cù Bòcan range from Tomatin as well as a couple of brand new whiskies from AnCnoc (including a return, of sorts, of the much-loved 16yo). However, up first we have Glen Moray’s 21 year old Portwood Finish, a whisky initially matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in ex-port casks.
Commenting on the release, Master Distiller Graham Coull said: “Glen Moray 21 year old Portwood Single Malt Whisky is the perfect balance of American oak and Port flavours. Immerse yourself in what is a wonderfully complex dram”.
Glen Moray 21yo Portwood Finish
Speyside Single Malt
46.3% ABV
£124.95 here
Nose: Cranberries, blueberries, blackberry jus and some clotted cream. Quite sweet but a little drying. Then some Danish pastries, toasted walnuts and chestnuts, with a hint of mulchy forest floor sweetness.
Palate: Manuka honey, caramel barrels, and rather fruity, with raspberry compote, red currants, and cherry loaf. Then cinnamon swirls, blackjacks, and hot cross buns. Quite drying in the mid-palate.
Finish: Baking spices, cacao nibs and cask stave. Really quite drying.
Overall: Enjoyable, but it’s really quite a drying whisky, with a real emphasis on the earthier, woodier aspects of those port casks. Still very enjoyable, but don’t expect a fruit bomb – the fruit is there, but the woodspice, toasted dried fruits and nuts dominate, particularly on the palate. If that’s your bag, it’s certainly worth a whirl.
