Glen Moray Phoenix Rising

Nose: Sandalwood, vanilla, caramel, and coconut. Taste: A sweet initial sensation with subtle malt, grain, and orchard fruit. Hints of Demerara sugar and light pepper emerge as it evolves. The texture is pleasing. Aftertaste: Medium length. Fruity and slightly peppery with a sweet finish. This is a more than satisfactory but uncomplicated single malt from this reliable producer. Phoenix Rising spends time in used bourbon barrels before a finish in new charred oak casks, a first for Glen Moray. It's a no-age-statement bottling with an unknown age, though I'd estimate it's around 6 or 7 years old, likely a mix of different ages and maturation periods. It's a straightforward malt, but its lack of complexity is compensated by the vibrancy and quality of its character. It is, simply put, a well-crafted whisky for general enjoyment, and the price is quite reasonable. Adding water is detrimental. It's bottled at the lowest legal strength and deteriorates with just a few drops. Over-dilution completely mutes the aroma and introduces sourness, so I would suggest drinking this neat. Tasted at the distillery. “Above Average”: 81/100 (3 stars)

Really enjoyable whisky, easy to drink. It carries an initial smoky aroma, hinting at peat, but then it delivers a remarkably smooth finish. Outstanding quality for the cost.

More smoke on the aroma, smooth on the taste.