Glen Moray matures single malt in Madeira casks

Speyside distillery Glen Moray has expanded its “experimental” Elgin Curiosity range with the launch of a limited edition single malt matured in Madeira casks.

The new Glen Moray Madeira Cask Project whisky was fully matured in ex-sweet Madeira hogsheads for 13 years and 10 months. Seven Madeira casks were laid down in 2006 in the Elgin-based distillery’s Warehouse 1, home to the site’s maturation experiments. The casks were discovered by Kirstie McCallum, Glen Moray’s head of whisky creation, who sampled them.

“Single malt whisky matured in Madeira casks has been prized in the industry before, but typically the casks have only been used to ‘finish’ more conventionally matured whisky,” said McCallum. “That’s what makes this new expression so very special. Our new make spirit has been slowly mingling with the luxuriously sweet flavours of Madeira for nearly 14 years, giving a depth of flavour and an intense character that couldn’t otherwise be created.

“It’s a delicious dram, a dessert in a glass, and we are very much looking forward to sharing it with whisky drinkers in the UK.” The resulting liquid is described as a “rich and indulgent combination of Glen Moray’s classic Speyside style and the sweet fruit and toffee influences of Madeira”.

It is the third expression in the Elgin Curiosity range, following a single malt finished in agricole rum casks released last year. The first release was a cider cask-finished bottling. The range aims to “push the boundaries of single malt maturation” and celebrate the brand’s “passion for cask experimentation and flavour”.

Bottled at 46.3% ABV, 1,468 bottles of Glen Moray Madeira Cask Project are available exclusively in the UK from specialist whisky stores. It is priced at £65 per 700ml bottle. Check out a video on the new whisky below:

Slàinte.