Glen Moray 12 Year Old (Old Style)

A vintage 12 Year Old Speyside expression from the distillery's pre-2008 era, prized for its classic, well-rounded, and balanced character.

1. Historical Context

1.1 Naming & Era Signals

This bottling is a vintage release of the 12 Year Old expression, which was a core part of Glen Moray’s range for decades before significant changes in ownership and product packaging. The "Old Style" refers to the period before the distillery was sold in 2008, when it was under the ownership of The Glenmorangie Company Ltd.. Bottlings from this period are valued as representing the classic Speyside house style that preceded modern branding and volume-driven production shifts.

1.2 Ownership & Production Era

Glen Moray Distillery was established in 1897. In the era preceding the 2008 sale, the distillery was owned by The Glenmorangie Company Ltd.. Glen Moray is situated on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin. The distillery has always been known for producing a large volume of whisky, with much of its output historically destined for single malt releases and, increasingly in the modern era, for owner-blended whiskies.

2. Technical Specification & Variant Map

2.1 Documented Variants

The Glen Moray 12 Year Old (Old Style) is consistently listed with the following specifications:

• Strength: 40% ABV.
• Volume: 70cl or 75cl.
• Market: Core range bottling, widely distributed internationally.

Pricing Stratification Note: While the standard expression is 40% ABV, collectible listings sometimes reference a 43%ABV variant (750ml size) linked to the distillery's history with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. However, the 40%ABV is the most common and standard expression for the 'Old Style' 12 Year Old. Pricing will be stratified, with the higher-strength 43% ABV versions being highly sought after by collectors.

2.2 Packaging & Authenticity Checklist

Older bottlings from the pre-2008 era may feature the 75cl size. The cork/screwcap element is noted as a differentiator in vintage whiskies; however, the specific closure type of the majority of these bottles is not universally documented.

2.3 Regulatory/Terminology Notes (if applicable)

The spirit is aged entirely for 12 years in oak casks. Glen Moray’s reputation stems from its excellent value-for-money single malts, positioned as an accessible Speyside option.

3. Liquid Profile

Nose: Exceptionally well-rounded, sweet, fruity, and floral, characteristic of a classic Speyside single malt. Primary notes include Highland toffee, vanilla toffee, candy floss, and honeycomb. Hints of fresh herbs and toasted oak are present.

Palate: Chewy barley with a drizzle of syrup, leading to notes of apricot and crushed honey-roasted nuts. Flavours are rich, sweet, and fruity, with spices noted.

Finish: Medium length, with lingering notes of white chocolate and oak. Toffee, blackcurrants, and a hint of liquorice remain.

With water: Not stated by the producer.

5. Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Glen Moray is a Speyside distillery founded in 1897. The site is known for its high production capacity, with most of its whisky utilised in owner La Martiniquaise’s blended whiskies, such as Label 5. However, the distillery has a history of innovation in cask finishing. Its house style is known for being light, fruity, and well-balanced, making it an excellent example of accessible Speyside single malt.

SEO Extras (for our PDP)

Keywords (6–10): Glen Moray, 12 Year Old, Old Style, Vintage Speyside, Elgin, Pre-2008, Speyside Single Malt, Classic.

Meta description (≤ 155 chars): Vintage Glen Moray 12 Year Old (Old Style). A classic Speyside single malt, balancing sweet Highland toffee with summer fruits and vanilla.