Glen Moray has long occupied a curious position in the Speyside landscape — a distillery capable of producing genuinely excellent spirit, yet one that rarely commands the premiums of its more celebrated neighbours. The Warehouse 1 Release series, however, represents Glen Moray at its most ambitious, and this 2013 vintage finished in Amontillado sherry casks is a compelling argument for paying closer attention.
Bottled at a robust 57.5% ABV with no age statement, this is a cask-strength release that doesn't hide behind its proof. The Amontillado finish is a thoughtful choice — drier and more oxidative than the Pedro Ximénez or Oloroso casks that dominate the sherry-finished market. Amontillado brings a savoury, nutty complexity that tends to complement rather than overwhelm the base spirit, and that restraint is precisely what makes this category of finish so rewarding when it's done well.
What draws me to this bottling is the confidence of it. A 2013 distillation released at full cask strength suggests the blending team tasted something worth preserving uncut, and I'm inclined to agree with their judgement. At this ABV, you're getting the whisky as it came from the wood — no dilution, no chill filtration to soften the edges. It rewards patience. A few drops of water open it considerably, and I'd encourage anyone approaching this bottle to take their time with it.
Tasting Notes
I'll reserve detailed tasting notes for a future update once I've had the opportunity to sit with this dram across several sessions — a whisky at this strength deserves that courtesy. What I can say is that the Amontillado influence is unmistakable: expect the dry, nutty, slightly saline character that distinguishes Amontillado from sweeter sherry styles. Paired with Glen Moray's typically approachable Speyside spirit, the combination should offer a dram that balances richness with genuine drinkability.
The Verdict
At £75.75, this sits in a competitive bracket, but I think it represents fair value for a cask-strength, single-cask Speyside with genuine character. You're paying for an interesting finish executed with care, bottled without compromise. The Warehouse 1 series has built a quiet reputation among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate Glen Moray's willingness to experiment, and this Amontillado finish is one of the more distinctive entries in the range. It won't change your mind if you've written off Glen Moray entirely, but it might — and should — make you reconsider.
I'm scoring this 7.8 out of 10. It's a well-made, characterful single malt that punches comfortably above its price point, held back only slightly by the lack of transparency around its exact maturation. A solid buy for anyone who appreciates sherry influence without the sweetness.
Best Served
Pour it neat first and let it breathe for five minutes. Then add water — literally a few drops at a time — until the ABV settles somewhere around 46-48%. At 57.5%, this whisky needs that conversation with water to fully express itself. A classic Speyside Highball would be a waste here; this is a dram for quiet evenings and unhurried attention.
