Glen Moray 17 Year Old
75cl / 40%
£79.00
- Cask type: Oak
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
- Chilfiltered: Yes
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A cask-strength, independent bottling highlighting the pure, unadulterated fruit character of Glen Moray's 1996 distillate.
At-a-Glance
This expression is part of the Càrn Mòr 'Strictly Limited' series, which is known for focusing on high-integrity, cask-strength releases. This positioning establishes the bottling as a purist’s counterpoint to the distillery's official core range, which is often characterized by specific finishes and lower proofing. The distillation year of 1996 is a vintage generally respected for yielding a robust and fruit-forward spirit, providing a solid foundation that can withstand extended maturation.
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Glen Moray / Càrn Mòr (Morrison Distillers) / Scotland, Speyside |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Independent Bottling) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 17 Years Old / Distilled 1996 / Bottled 2014 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 58.6% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Refill Hogshead |
| Natural Colour | Assumed Yes (Standard for Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Assumed Yes (Standard for Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited) |
| Cask Strength | Yes |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Single Cask, specific outturn not detailed but limited by cask size |
| Intended channel | Specialist Independent Retail/IB Network |
| Packaging | Standard Càrn Mòr 'Strictly Limited' livery |
| Notes on discrepancies | Must be verified as part of the Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited series. |
Historical Context
The crucial choice made by the bottler was the selection of a Refill Hogshead for the full 17-year maturation period. This cask selection confirms a deliberate intention to showcase the pristine character of the Glen Moray distillate itself, rather than allowing the maturation vessel to dominate the flavour. This long aging in inert oak elevates the spirit's purity, ensuring the distillate character remains the primary value driver for the bottling.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The precise technical data defines this bottling: distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2014, with a cask strength ABV of 58.6%. As a single cask bottling, there are minimal physical variances between individual bottles beyond potential ullage, which should be negligible for a 2014 release. The essential identifying feature is the confirmation that it belongs to the Càrn Mòr 'Strictly Limited' (SL) series. The combination of the high 58.6% ABV with maturation in a Refill Hogshead over 17 years ensures that the resultant liquid profile represents the highest possible concentration of the base Glen Moray spirit. This makes the bottling an excellent, unadulterated reference point for the distillery’s intrinsic style.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 58.6% | 70cl | Global IB Network | Càrn Mòr 'Strictly Limited' series | Highest (Sole, cask strength variant) |
| Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Single cask, no variants | N/A |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication must rigorously focus on the Càrn Mòr label, specifically confirming the 'Strictly Limited' designation, the exact vintage dates (1996/2014), and the specific 58.6% ABV. Given that the bottling occurred in 2014, collectors and the secondary market expect near-perfect physical condition, including flawless label integrity and full fill levels (neck fill).
The designation as cask strength (58.6% ABV) is verifiable on the label and provides additional assurance regarding the unadulterated nature of the liquid.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The flavour profile is distinctly Speyside and characterized by remarkable cleanliness and fruit concentration. The nose features prominent notes of crisp apples, bright citrus elements, light vanilla, and sometimes a subtle grassy or herbaceous edge.
The palate is clean, zesty, and highly concentrated. Dominant flavours include green fruits and lemon oil, balanced by a refined malt sweetness. While the high 58.6% ABV provides significant structure, the alcohol is reported to be well integrated into the flavour profile. The finish is medium in length, clean, and refreshing, concluding with lingering citrus notes. Furthermore, the high strength and inherently clean profile mean the liquid is highly tolerant of water. When diluted, the spirit enhances its inherent creaminess, effectively separating the fruity esters from the alcohol intensity. This versatility increases the liquid’s utility, offering two distinct, yet high-quality, tasting experiences: concentrated and nuanced.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The Original RRP (GBP) for this bottling is not stated by the producer but was estimated to be in the region of £80–£100, typical for independent bottlings of this age in 2014. The Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT) for residual or secondary market stock typically sells between £200 and £280. Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer) usually sits between £180 and £250.
Pricing stratification for this release is very stable, reflecting consistent and predictable demand for high-quality, cask-strength, vintage independent Speyside stock. Sourcing is entirely dependent upon the secondary market, making meticulous verification against the bottler’s catalog mandatory.
Price Snapshot
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Càrn Mòr, operating under the ownership of Morrison Distillers, has successfully established a reputation for sourcing casks that maximize distillate transparency and quality. Their bottlings are characterized by meticulous labeling and a preference for high-quality, long-aged refill casks. These factors contribute to the reliability of their releases, making them consistent targets for serious collectors.
Sourcing
Procurement efforts should specifically target and verify the 1996/2014 vintage dates and the exact 58.6% ABV. Red flags include the absence of the 'Strictly Limited' designation or any variance from the specified ABV. Condition thresholds require pristine condition with a full neck fill, expected for a 2014 bottling. The market expectation is for steady velocity and achievable moderate, consistent margins.
