Glen Moray Elgin Classic Chardonnay Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch

Distillery Background & History
Glen Moray Distillery was established in 1897 in Elgin, in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside whisky region. Originally the site of the West Brewery, it was converted into a whisky distillery at the end of the 19th century. Glen Moray has become particularly recognised for experimenting with different cask types. Wine-cask maturation has played an important role in the distillery’s history, and the Chardonnay Cask Finish is one of the most distinctive expressions within the approachable Elgin Classic range.

Producer & Whisky Maker
Produced and distilled by Glen Moray Distillery in Elgin, Scotland. The distillery’s relatively light, fruity and malty new-make spirit provides an excellent foundation for wine-cask finishing. Chardonnay casks add another dimension without overwhelming the underlying Speyside character, resulting in a whisky that remains accessible while offering noticeably richer fruit, vanilla and sweet-spice characteristics.

Distillery & Terroir
Glen Moray is situated beside the River Lossie in Elgin, within Speyside. The region is famous for elegant, fruit-driven single malt whiskies. Glen Moray’s house style typically displays citrus, orchard fruit, malt, vanilla and gentle floral characteristics, making it particularly well suited to secondary maturation in wine casks.

The Whisky
The Chardonnay Cask Finish takes the soft and approachable character of Glen Moray and adds additional richness through maturation involving Chardonnay wine casks. Compared with the standard Elgin Classic, expect a creamier and fruitier profile with more pronounced vanilla, sweet fruit and gentle spice.

It is particularly useful in a comparative Glen Moray tasting because guests can clearly experience how a wine cask changes the flavour profile of the underlying single malt.

Age Statement
Non-Age Statement (NAS)

ABV
40%

Maturation & Cask Finish
The whisky begins its maturation in American oak casks before receiving additional maturation in Chardonnay wine casks.

The Chardonnay influence adds additional fruitiness, sweetness and creamy texture while American oak contributes vanilla, caramel and gentle spice. The resulting whisky maintains Glen Moray's lighter Speyside identity while introducing a noticeably wine-influenced character.

Raw Material
100% Malted Barley

Colour
Light Gold

Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh and aromatic, showing apple, pear, citrus, vanilla and butterscotch, accompanied by subtle floral and wine-derived fruit notes.

Palate: Smooth and creamy with vanilla, orchard fruit, citrus and sweet malt. Chardonnay-cask maturation introduces additional fruit richness alongside gentle oak and spice.

Finish: Medium and clean, with lingering vanilla, sweet fruit, citrus and subtle spice.

Food & Whisky Pairing
Excellent with smoked salmon, creamy cheeses, Brie, Camembert, grilled chicken, seafood, roasted nuts and mild charcuterie. It also works particularly well with fruit-based desserts and vanilla pastries.

For your event, this is a very good whisky to introduce guests to cask finishing because the Chardonnay influence is easier to understand than the heavier Port, Sherry or Peated expressions.

Service Methods
For the tasting station, serve approximately 15–20 ml per guest in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped whisky glass.

Serve neat at room temperature first. Guests can then add a few drops of still water to explore how the aromas change. Ice can be provided upon request, although neat service is preferable for a structured tasting.

For your five-whisky Glen Moray tasting, I recommend:

1. Elgin Classic → 2. Chardonnay Cask Finish → 3. Port Cask Finish → 4. Sherry Cask Finish → 5. Peated

The Chardonnay should come early because its delicate fruit and wine-cask characteristics could easily be overwhelmed by the richer Port, Sherry and smoky Peated expressions.

Storage & Ageing Potential
Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Scotch whisky does not continue ageing once bottled.

An unopened bottle can remain stable for decades when stored correctly. Once opened, keep the bottle tightly sealed and minimize prolonged air exposure, especially once the bottle falls below approximately half full.

Style
Fruity · Creamy · Vanilla · Citrus · Orchard Fruit · Gentle Spice

Region
Country: Scotland
Whisky Region: Speyside
Location: Elgin, Moray
Classification: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Cask Style: American Oak with Chardonnay Cask Finish
Style: Fruity, creamy and approachable
ABV: 40%