Trying the New Glen Moray 12 Years Old Smoky: My Personal Take

There’s something about discovering a new bottle of whisky that always feels like a bit of an occasion, especially when it’s a release from a distillery I’ve enjoyed over the years. So when the new Glen Moray 12 Years Old Smoky landed on my doorstep, I cleared a quiet evening to sit down and properly savour it.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I lean towards a good Speyside dram, but with summer evenings rolling in, the idea of something with a touch of smoke to it really appealed. And that’s exactly what Glen Moray have gone for with this one, a Speyside single malt, distilled from peated barley, matured for 12 years in a combination of American and European oak casks. The result? A lovely balance of sweetness and smoke, not overpowering, just enough to add depth and a bit of intrigue to your glass.

Pouring the First Dram

In the glass, it’s a beautiful golden straw colour, almost shimmering in the light, exactly what you want to see in a well-aged Speyside malt. Straight away on the nose, you get that signature gentle smoke, but it’s nicely lifted by vanilla and orchard fruits. I picked out notes of apple and a touch of pear, with just a whisper of spice sitting in the background.

Tasting Notes

On the palate, it opens up beautifully. The first thing I noticed was the richness of caramelised apples and baked plums, sweet, fruity and slightly indulgent with those subtle peaty undertones weaving their way through. There’s also an elegant oakiness from the cask ageing, giving it structure without taking away from the brighter fruit notes.

The finish really impressed me, it’s long and satisfying, with the fruity notes gradually giving way to smouldering bonfire embers and a gentle oak tannin that lingers just enough to make you reach for another sip.

When Would I Drink It?

This is one of those whiskies that works just as well for a relaxed evening at home as it would after a good dinner with friends. It’s approachable, easy to enjoy, but with enough character to keep seasoned whisky drinkers interested. Personally, I think it’s a cracking bottle to have on the shelf as we move into the warmer months pour a glass on a summer’s evening outdoors, when there’s still a hint of smoke in the air from a barbecue or firepit, and it just fits the moment perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Glen Moray have delivered something a little bit different here, a Speyside whisky that respects its roots but brings in that peated element with real finesse. If you like the idea of a sweet, fruity dram with a smoky edge (without diving full-on into Islay territory), I’d say this is definitely one to try.

You can pick up a bottle here at Master of Malt and for more about the distillery and their full range, head over to the Glen Moray website.

Cheers and let me know if you try it!