Glen Moray Distillery
Glen Moray Distillery has been around since 1897. It is situated on the banks of the River Lossie in the city of Elgin which is the capital of Speyside – an area that is well known for the number of malt whisky distilleries it has. Glen Moray is just 35 miles east of Inverness.
The distillery has undergone many changes but the makers like to believe that the ingredients, processes and skills of those responsible for producing Glen Moray remain the same. It draws its waters from the River Lossie.
It was formerly a brewery in the early 1830s which was started by Henry Arnott. Glen Moray was converted into a distillery in 1897 but it was closed down in 1910. It was opened briefly in 1912 but its revival actually occurred when it was acquired by Macdonald & Muir Company in the 1920s. Rebuilding and extensions took place in 1958 when it acquired a Saladin Box. This was at that time used as a replacement of the traditional malting floors. It was believed to prevent destruction of grain by over heating during the germination process as this huge box had small pores. This was in use till 1977.
The grounds of Glen Moray encompass the Gallowcrook Hill, former gallows of Elgin Town. The grounds were dug up in 1962 to build new warehouses when seven skulls including one with a bullet in the jaw were discovered!
The layout of Glen Moray is very similar to a traditional Scottish farm steading. It features a picturesque courtyard with low ceiling warehouses built around it. It is a sister distillery of the more famous Glen Morangie Distillery. The latter is known for finishing the maturation process of its famous whisky in red wine casks. The initial experimentation for this was carried out at Glen Moray. Since 1999 Glen Moray has been mellowing its whisky in casks that were originally used for Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.
The initial maturation process however is in bourbon barrels sourced from North America. This helps the Glen Moray to mature and add their unique touch to it. The resulting whisky has its trademark rich and spicy characteristics. Glen Moray has been producing its distinctive smooth Speyside malt for over a hundred years. There is a wide choice and appeals to new malt drinkers as well as connoisseurs because of its range of ages and vintages. The Glen Moray range of Classic malts includes Glen Moray Classic, its youngest single malt, the Glen Moray12 year old and 16 year old. They also have a Vintage Range which includes 1962 Manager’s Choice, Glen Moray 20 year old and Glen Moray 30 year old. Others are 1963, 1984, 1989 First Fill and 1989 Manager’s Choice. The whisky is also used in Highland Queen blend. Murray McDavid bottles a Glen Moray1992 Murray McDavid that has been matured in old sherry casks.