Glen Moray is known for producing a range of exceptional single malt whiskies, and while they are not typically known for peated expressions, they have ventured into the world of peat with a unique offering. The distillery takes a departure from their usual production process by using barley that has been dried in a peat-fired kiln. This introduces a subtle smoky element to the whisky, making it a lightly peated spirit.
The use of peat in the drying process of barley is not common for Glen Moray, but it adds an interesting twist to their traditional malted barley. This combination of peated and non-peated barley creates a whisky that is distinctively different from their other expressions. The peat smoke imparts a campfire-like character to the spirit, providing an intriguing contrast to the usual profile of Glen Moray whiskies.
I had the opportunity to taste Glen Moray's peated expression, and I was pleasantly surprised by the balance of flavors. The peat influence was not overpowering, but rather it added a subtle layer of complexity. The smoky notes were delicately woven into the whisky, complementing the underlying flavors of malt and oak.
One of the aspects I appreciate about Glen Moray's peated expression is that it does not stray too far from the distillery's core style. It remains true to their commitment to producing well-crafted and approachable whiskies. The peat is not the dominant characteristic, but rather a harmonious component that enhances the overall experience.
In terms of intensity, Glen Moray's peated whisky is on the lighter side of the peat spectrum. It offers a more delicate smokiness compared to heavily peated whiskies from regions like Islay. This makes it a great option for those who are new to peated whiskies or prefer a more nuanced peat influence.
To summarize, while Glen Moray is not known for peaty expressions, their peated whisky offers a unique twist to their range. The use of peat-fired barley adds a subtle smoky element, resulting in a lightly peated spirit with distinctive campfire notes. It is a well-balanced and approachable whisky that showcases Glen Moray's ability to experiment while staying true to their core style.