Glen Moray Elgin Heritage 18 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distillery Background & History
Glen Moray Distillery was established in 1897 in Elgin, in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region. Originally converted from the historic West Brewery, the distillery has developed a reputation for elegant, fruit-forward single malts and extensive experimentation with different cask types. The 18 Year Old sits toward the top of the Elgin Heritage range and represents a more mature, traditional expression of Glen Moray’s Speyside house style.

Producer & Whisky Maker
Produced and bottled by Glen Moray Distillery, Elgin, Scotland. The Elgin Heritage collection focuses on age-stated whiskies and showcases how extended maturation develops the distillery’s naturally fruity and malty spirit.

Region
Country: Scotland
Whisky Region: Speyside
Location: Elgin, Moray

The Whisky
The 18 Year Old is a mature and more concentrated expression of Glen Moray. Rather than relying on wine or fortified-wine finishing, it emphasizes long maturation in American oak, creating a classic combination of orchard fruit, vanilla, caramel, baking spices and mature oak.

Age Statement
18 Years Old

ABV
47.2% ABV

Maturation & Cask
Matured for 18 years in first-fill American oak casks, predominantly associated with ex-bourbon maturation. This gives the whisky considerable vanilla, caramel and toasted-oak character while preserving Glen Moray’s signature fruitiness. The 18 Year Old is also presented non-chill filtered.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Antique gold with rich amber highlights.

Nose: Caramelised apple, vanilla and toffee lead into ripe orchard fruits, subtle dried fruit and toasted oak. With time, baking spices and a gentle nuttiness emerge.

Palate: Richer and more concentrated than the younger Glen Moray expressions. Baked apple, vanilla and raisins combine with caramel, malt sweetness, cinnamon and toasted oak. The higher 47.2% ABV gives it noticeably more body and intensity.

Finish: Long, warming and elegant, with lingering toffee, caramelised apple, cinnamon, vanilla and mature oak spice.

Food Pairing
Excellent with aged Comté, mature Cheddar, roasted nuts, charcuterie and roasted meats. For sweeter pairings, try apple tart, crème brûlée, bread pudding, dark chocolate or desserts incorporating caramel and toasted nuts.

Service Methods
Serve at approximately 18–20°C in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped whisky glass. It is particularly rewarding neat due to its age and 47.2% strength. Allow it to rest for around 5–10 minutes after pouring. A few drops of still water can reveal additional fruit and vanilla aromas. For a tasting event, a 15–20 ml pour is appropriate.

Storage & Ageing Potential
Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Whisky does not continue ageing once bottled, so the 18-year age statement refers exclusively to its maturation before bottling. Properly stored unopened bottles can remain in excellent condition for decades.

Scores
Whisky Advocate — 92 Points
Whisky Advocate — 90 Points

Style Summary
Speyside · Single Malt Scotch Whisky · 18 Years Old · First-Fill American Oak · 47.2% ABV · Non-Chill Filtered · Orchard Fruit · Vanilla · Toffee · Baking Spice · Mature Oak