Glen Moray 8 year (2015/2024) peated cognac cask

Nose: Warming, soft sweet peat smoke, red fruits, vanilla, a little brine. Palate: An instant peat smoke hit which is much more intense and angular than the nose would suggest. Sour brine, earth, bitter tobacco. Water does not improve the palate, merely bringing out sour plastic notes. Finish: Medium/Long. Smoky and earthy with white orchard fruit flavours that trail into a sour aftertaste. A hand-drawn distillery exclusive that is part of Glen Moray’s “Private Cask Collection”, in this case taken from ex-cognac cask #2295 which had been filled with peated new make. I could nose this whisky all day but it falls flat on its face when you get to the palate. When I nosed the two cask-strength offerings that were available when I visited Glen Moray this one immediately captured my attention and overshadowed the port cask expression. However once both had been tasted it was clear to me which was the superior dram, and adding water definitely confirmed that assessment. I tried it at several dilutions and it was only when heavily watered (I’d guess to around 25%abv) that it became palatable, but even then it’s not something I would buy or recommend. Tasted at the distillery. “Average” : 75/100 (2.5 stars)