Glen Moray 14 (North Star Spirits Cask Series 16)

Tasting North Star Spirits at The Oak Barrel in Sydney on March 9, 2022. Whisky #1 Nose: It’s flowery and fruity, but reserved when undiluted. A splash of water slightly opens it up but also increases the alcohol’s presence on the nose and adds an odd, sweaty scent. Palate: It hits the tongue with spice and sweetness, but feels hot and tight neat. The palate has a citrus acidity that becomes stronger with water. Further development reveals more spices alongside vanilla and raisins. The consistency is somewhat oily. Finish: It lingers for a medium duration. Vegetal notes and a touch of sourness precede sweet spice as the concluding taste. This whisky isn't particularly captivating or fulfilling. Its limited character, which could be best described as mundane, doesn't encourage repeated smelling or sipping. I had half my sample left at the night’s end with no desire to finish it. There's little evidence it spent 14 years in an oloroso hoggie, and it’s one of those drams that gets hotter and more prickly with water, to the point where it suddenly becomes overwhelming. I didn't think it was worth the asking price and anticipate seeing bottles of this remaining on shelves for some time. It's not North Star's best effort. "Average": 78/100 (2.75 stars)