Nose: Big fruity nose full of red berries and stewed prunes. There is a touch of menthol and a lot of leafy, earthy tobacco, leather and lashings of dark chocolate sauce. You often hear “chocolate” used as a descriptor but this whisky has that aroma in spades. Palate: The neat palate is immediately sweet and fruity, followed by a lot of mouth-watering alcohol. Some sour walnuts, sour cherries, black currants and chewing tobacco. Water substantially softens and sweetens the palate and is thoroughly recommended. Finish: Medium/Long: Christmas cake fruits and spices with dark chocolate. Water does not spoil the length but does make the finish softer. A hand-drawn distillery exclusive that is part of Glen Moray’s “Private Cask Collection”, in this case taken from a port cask (almost certainly a pipe) #6025486. A big, bold and demonstrative whisky that only comes into its best with a generous dash of water. The only downside is that while this greatly improves the palate it does kill the nose, which is a shame. I’m giving this the highest rating I’ve yet awarded to a Glen Moray whisky. They need to start issuing cask-strength, single cask expressions as a regular thing. Tasted at the distillery. “Very Good” : 85/100 (4 stars)