Glen Moray Elgin Classic Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distillery Background & History
Glen Moray Distillery was established in 1897 in Elgin, at the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region. Originally operating as the West Brewery, the site was converted into a whisky distillery and has developed a reputation for producing approachable, fruit-driven single malts alongside experimental cask-finished expressions. Although Speyside is generally associated with unpeated whisky, Glen Moray occasionally works with peated malt, creating a distinctly smoky interpretation of its traditionally soft and fruity house style.

Producer & Whisky Maker
Produced and distilled by Glen Moray Distillery in Elgin, Scotland. The Peated expression is deliberately different from the standard Elgin Classic range, combining Glen Moray’s characteristic sweetness and maltiness with smoke derived from peated malted barley. Rather than creating an intensely medicinal or maritime style, the whisky retains an approachable Speyside character beneath the smoke.

Distillery & Terroir
Glen Moray is situated beside the River Lossie in Elgin, within the Speyside whisky region. The distillery is known for a relatively light, fruity and malty spirit character. In this expression, those classic Glen Moray characteristics provide a softer foundation for the peat smoke, producing a whisky that is noticeably smoky without becoming overwhelmingly heavy.

The Whisky
The Elgin Classic Peated is the smoky member of the Glen Moray Classic collection. It combines sweet vanilla, malt, fruit and oak with aromatic peat smoke. Compared with heavily peated Islay malts, its smoke is generally softer and more approachable, making it an excellent introduction to peated Scotch whisky.

For a tasting event, it also provides a useful contrast against the Classic, Chardonnay, Port and Sherry Cask expressions.

Age Statement
Non-Age Statement (NAS)

ABV
40%

Vinification, Distillation & Maturation
Produced from peated malted barley, fermented and then double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills.

The spirit is matured in American oak casks, allowing vanilla, caramel and gentle oak characteristics to develop alongside the smoky character of the peated spirit.

Unlike the Port, Sherry and Chardonnay Cask Finish expressions, the Peated version's distinctive character primarily comes from the peated malt rather than a speciality finishing cask.

Raw Material
100% Malted Barley — Peated

Colour
Pale Gold

Tasting Notes

Nose: Aromatic peat smoke immediately distinguishes the whisky from the standard Elgin Classic. Beneath the smoke are vanilla, citrus, malt and subtle earthy notes.

Palate: Soft and smooth with a combination of sweet vanilla, toasted malt, gentle spice and peat smoke. The underlying sweetness balances the smokiness, keeping the whisky approachable rather than aggressively peated.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering smoke, vanilla sweetness, oak and subtle spice.

Food & Whisky Pairing
Excellent with smoked salmon, smoked meats, mature cheddar, blue cheese, charcuterie, grilled chicken, roasted nuts and dark chocolate.

For your event, this should work particularly well alongside the Smoked Salmon Tartine and the Cheese & Charcuterie Spread.

Service Methods
For your tasting station, serve approximately 15–20 ml per guest.

Serve neat at room temperature in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped tasting glass. A few drops of still water can be added after the initial tasting to open the aromas and soften the smoke.

Because peat can dominate the palate, I would serve this last in your Glen Moray tasting flight:

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

This prevents the smoke from interfering with the subtler whiskies tasted afterwards.

Storage & Ageing Potential
Store the bottle upright, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, ideally at a relatively stable temperature. Unlike wine, whisky does not continue ageing after bottling.

An unopened bottle can remain in excellent condition for decades. Once opened, keep it tightly sealed and minimize prolonged exposure to air, particularly when less than half of the whisky remains.

Style
Smoky · Malty · Vanilla · Lightly Fruity · Gently Spiced