Glen Moray
Translation: Valley of the lake settlement
Region: Speyside
It's not easy as a little sister.
Glen Moray and Glenmorangie were siblings for over 90 years. Both distilleries belonged to the same owners, Macdonald & Muir (although the name similarity of the distilleries is just a coincidence). And even though parents should actually love their children alike, one thing is clear: Glen Moray has always been in the shadow of the famous big brother whom Macdonald & Muir had acquired two years earlier. Actually, Glen Moray acted for a long time as a kind of experimental room for Glenmorangie. New ideas and techniques were first tried out here. Also the first attempts with the so-called "Wood Finishing" started with Glen Moray. This storage in two different barrels in succession proved to be very attractive. Glenmorangie became world famous and successful later on ...
A little history
Glen Moray was founded in 1897 by Glen Moray Glenlivet Distillery Co. Ltd. built. The distillery grew out of an old brewery, the West Brewery, whose beginnings date back to 1828.
The distillery was closed in 1910, reopened in 1912, and reopened shortly thereafter. Only with the acquisition by Macdonald & Muir in 1920 stability came into the curriculum vitae of Glen Moray. The company, which had already acquired Glenmorangie two years earlier, renovated Glen Moray and resumed production in 1923.
In 1958 the distillery was modernized. The traditional floor painting was replaced by the more efficient Saladin box. Since 1978, however, Glen Moray has not malted itself. In 1979, the two existing stills were supplemented by two more. In 1992, the two old ones were replaced with new ones.
Macdonald & Muir changed their name to Glenmorangie plc in 1996, and in 2004 the company was acquired by the French group LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA.
In September 2008, Glen Moray went to La Martiniquaise. The French wine and spirits experts have big plans with the distillery. In 2014, two new stills were installed. In 2015, another ten (!) Are to be added.
What do I actually have in the glass?
The Glen Moray is a rather delicate, fine malt with floral-fruity notes.
3 reasons to love Glen Moray
1) Because Glen Moray just deserved it.
2) Because a lot of good comes from this distillery.
3) Because the whiskey world would look different without Glen Moray.
The one drama for the lonely island
Speaking of the Wood Finish and the main role that Glen Moray plays here, the "Elgin Classic Port Cask Finish" is a great example and shines with a whole basket of aromas, from fresh citrus to honey sweet.
numbers and facts
Address: Bruceland Road, Elgin, Morayshire IV30 1YE
Founded in 1897 by the Glen Moray Glenlivet Distillery Co. Ltd.
Status: active
Owner: La Martiniquaise
Capacity: approx. 3,500,000 liters
3 wash stills (9,900 l)
3 spirit stills (5,800 l)
Water: River Lossie
Visitor Center: Yes
Telephone: +44 (0) 1343/542577
Website: www.glenmoray.com