Glen Moray Elgin Classic Cabernet Cask Finish

There's an immediate sweetness like slightly bitter honey, with noticeable red wine notes that come across as either spicy and bold or somewhat pungent and at times even off-putting to me. The finish isn't very long but has a spicy, semi-dry character. This likely scores 4/5 from the cask finish category. I found the port finish to be more enjoyable, and the peated version was a good balance between peat and Speyside sweetness.

A light gold hue accompanies a blackberry aroma. The taste is astringent and slightly peaty, revealing notes of vanilla and cloves. A lingering finish of anise and dark fruit is present, along with a very smooth, rich mouthfeel. All things considered, it's not a bad buy, especially since it was purchased on sale at our local liquor store, though it's not my preferred scotch.

The aroma is strongly influenced by wine notes, which is rather uncommon. However, the taste is where the issues arise. It presents a quite jarring mix of alcohol burn, stale smoke, decaying fruit, and smoky notes. It's not enjoyable. The aftertaste primarily consists of a peculiar, decaying chemical scent as well...

Unfortunately, it's very harsh and dull. Any delicate notes are either only in the aroma or detectable only every third sip. There's smoke and wine, but it's inconsistent, not present in every mouthful. A single malt of moderate unpleasantness.

Cabernet barrel Smells of red fruits. Direct with a prominent red fruity character. Intense dryness. Long and intense finish, dry, with slight bitterness. Very reminiscent of the grape from its barrel.

A distinct Speyside malt with fruit from the barrel, but unlike the Chardonnay, this one leans toward cocoa.