Glen Moray Elgin Classic Chardonnay Cask Finish

Nose: A strangely sour fruit note, almost mezcal-like or maybe even akin to retsina. Cereal and a little vanilla, but quirky. Green tea and parsley. White grapes (or is that the power of suggestion?) Palate: A sweet/astringent arrival that becomes sweeter as it develops. Bright and hard citrus at the start (kumquat?) but relaxing into sweeter lime flavors as it unfolds, then green melon and fruits (but they are all young and just barely ripe fruits). Finish: Short. Crisp and mildly bitter/sour citrus and cereal flavors gradually fading out sweet. This is a whisky that needs to rest in the glass for a while with a dash of water before tasting. When freshly poured it is full of grassy and odd citrus flavors, but as it develops you do clearly detect the chardonnay cask on both nose and palate. A dash of water makes it more agreeable by bringing out some cereal sweetness but overall I didn't think much of it. It's the sort of thing you could become accustomed to if it was all you had on a desert island, but not much more. The price is reasonable but be aware that it's not a typical profile, and an acquired taste. Also note that a few years ago there was a 10 year old Glen Moray single malt that was matured entirely in chardonnay casks and not just finished in them. It was far superior to this expression but is now discontinued. Don't confuse the two. "Average": 77/100 (2.5 stars)

Pale amber color. Aromas of peach, grape, noticeably fresh wood, light pepper, and pistachio. The alcohol is quite smooth. On the palate, the alcohol arrives quickly, followed by fruity and wine-like flavors typical of white wine. Peach, grapes, and pear, with an almost astringent alcohol note that then calms down. The finish is brief and woody, with notes of spice, toasted cinnamon, and green wood. The texture is rather thin. It's okay for exploring wine cask aging, but nothing more.

A weak 4, and I could not bring myself to give it a 3. It's unremarkable, but I liked it. The aroma brings to mind tea leaves with a hint of apples and baking spices. The palate is nutty, with a peculiar deliciousness likely attributed to the Chardonnay cask. The finish is brief but refreshingly crisp. It's distinct in a positive way.

Nose: tart apples, raisins, candy, grape skins. Taste: delicate and fruity. Sweet. Baking spices and a bit of cinnamon. The Chardonnay cask becomes apparent in the finish. Sweetness and caramel. The finish lasts longer than I'd anticipate from a 40% whisky with a somewhat weak foundation. Of all their finishes, this Chardonnay cask is definitely my favorite.

Great aroma (lemon, briny citrus, pineapple) which reappears on the tongue in a more delicate, but still briny, form. The end almost negates the generally thin sensation. Not deeply intricate but dependable. 24-22-23-21=90

Chardonnay Cask Bright gold. Iodine, juniper, and tobacco. Salty on the nose. An almond undertone is revealed. Salty on the palate, caramelized. Finish has a bitter but pleasant twist with a chocolatey note.