Nose: Sandalwood, vanilla, caramel, coconut. Palate: Sweet arrival with mild malt, cereal and orchard fruit. Some Demerara sugar and light pepper as it develops. The texture is good. Finish: Medium. Fruity and lightly spicy, sweet aftertaste. A more than acceptable but straightforward malt from this dependable distillery. Phoenix Rising is matured in refill bourbon before receiving a finish in charred virgin oak casks, which is a first for Glen Moray. It is a NAS with no clue as to its age but I’d guess it is around 6 or 7 years old, and very likely a blending of multiple ages and stages of maturation. It is an uncomplicated malt but what it lacks in complexity is made up for by the verve and quality of its profile. It is, simply, well made whisky for general consumption and the price is very reasonable. Water does it no favours, however. It is bottled at minimum legal strength and falls apart with more than a couple of drops. Over dilution kills the nose stone dead and brings out sourness so I’d recommend taking this one neat. Tasted at the distillery. “Above Average” : 81/100 (3 stars)