Glen Moray SMWS 35.51 Every Flavour Beans

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society does not need an introduction, I suppose. With 84 single casks from Glen Moray bottled, they are the most active independent with regards to this Speysider. Their last one, bottled in 2013, was called ‘J.K. Rowling meets C.S. Lewis’, whatever that means. We are trying the ‘Every Flavour Beans’, a Glen Moray from a first fill bourbon barrel that yielded 313 bottles.

The nose is aromatic and sweet & sour. Pineapple and papaya, but also something that reminds me of rotting oranges. Quite floral with dandelions and rose water. A touch farmy, even. Nice hint of toasted oak. The whole works like a charm, though. This is very good!

It is oily, spicy and sweet, but soon turns quite bitter. On the edge of too much. The oak speaks volumes and drowns out the sweet fruit. Some grapefruit kicks in, as does banana. Black tea. Pretty drying. Kinine, nutmeg and cinnamon. Mint. Hmm, for a second there, I thought it was going the wrong way, but it comes together beautifully and is actually quite complex.

In the long, spicy finish I mostly get those rotting oranges again. Sounds awful, but is actually quite nice.

A very special Glen Moray with loads of character. Reminds me of Woody Allen films. You either love it or hate, there is no in between. I fall into the first category (with regards to the whisky, not the Woody Allen films).

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