Glen Moray Highland Regiments 12 Year Old
75cl / 43%
£159.00
- Cask type: Oak
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
Tasting Notes
Vanilla, Honey, Grass and Cereals
Fruity, Floral, White Chocolate and Malt
Short Finish, Caramel, Vanilla and Oak
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A definitive, bourbon-matured Speyside profile from a classic distillery’s historical military collection.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Glen Moray / Distillery Bottling / Scotland, Speyside |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 12 Years Old / Not stated / Likely 1980s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% (75cl) or 43% (75cl/750ml) |
| Cask / Treatment | American Oak Casks (Bourbon Matured) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer (Historical series production) |
| Intended channel | Retail/Export, targeted at institutional or gift buyers |
| Packaging | Standard bottle, enclosed in presentation tin depicting a Highland Regiment (e.g., Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders) |
| Notes on discrepancies | The 43% ABV export variant is significantly more desirable than the 40% domestic UK market version. |
Historical Context
This Glen Moray 12 Year Old originates from the 1980s, placing it within the era when Glen Moray was owned by Macdonald & Muir, a period distinct from its modern ownership. This pre-takeover provenance often imbues the bottling with greater collector interest.
The bottling is part of the "Scotland's Historic Highland Regiments" range, a series designed to associate the single malt with a strong sense of Scottish history and military heritage. Each release in the series featured a specific regiment on its presentation tin. This strong thematic presentation means the overall collectability is intrinsically linked to the physical condition of the historical tin. The distillery has historically relied on American oak maturation to achieve a consistent, easily accessible Speyside character.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The most critical technical variable in this vintage bottling is the alcohol strength. Two primary specifications were released: 40% ABV and 43% ABV. The 43% version often catered to export markets (such as the US). The higher 43% strength is traditionally preferred by contemporary collectors because it is perceived as less diluted and thus possessing a more robust flavour concentration.
The spirit’s character is primarily derived from maturation entirely within American oak casks. The variations in the specific regiment depicted on the tin are considered cosmetic, with the liquid profile remaining consistent across the 12 Year Old series.
Documented variants
12 Year Old (40% ABV, 75cl) – Domestic UK market.
12 Year Old (43% ABV, 75cl/750ml) – Export market.
Variants differentiated by specific regiment pictured on the tin.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 75cl | UK/Domestic | 1980s Bottling | Moderate (Standard strength) |
| 43% | 75cl / 750ml | Export | 1980s Bottling | High (Higher strength, robust profile) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
For high-end acquisition, the presence and condition of the presentation tin are essential for maximising value. As a vintage 1980s bottling, a fill level of High Shoulder (HS) or Top Shoulder (TS) is vital for achieving premium pricing. A fill level below the shoulder line suggests increased risk of spirit degradation. The label must explicitly state the 12 Year Old age statement and the verifiable ABV (40% or 43%).
Regulatory/terminology notes
The bottling era (1980s) predates the consumer demand for transparency in production. Consistent with industry practices of the time, this whisky is presumed to have been chill-filtered and likely had E150a caramel colouring added to ensure batch consistency and uniform appearance.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The Glen Moray 12 Year Old is a classic, bourbon-led Speyside profile.
Nose: Characterised by big notes of vanilla, honey, and cereal grains, often described as having the sweetness of honey smacks or sweet biscuits. Overall, the aroma is noted as delightful.
Palate: The palate tends to be lighter than the intensity of the nose suggests, offering flavours of white chocolate, toffee, and crisp fruit. It is often described as sweet, with elements of banana, syrup, and heathery floral notes. It is extremely rich and very balanced in flavour.
Finish: Typically short and fruity. The texture is smooth and rich. It is widely considered a solid, uncomplicated, and robust baseline Speyside malt.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 100.00 – GBP 250.00.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Estimated GBP 80.00 – GBP 150.00.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| US Retail Estimate | N/A | 750ml, 43% (Ex-tax) | 79.53 | US Average Price equivalent. |
| Auction Estimate | Current (2024) | 75cl, 40% (No tin, good fill) | 80.00 – 100.00 | Baseline expectation for standard domestic version. |
| Auction Estimate | Current (2024) | 75cl, 43% (Mint condition with tin) | 150.00 – 200.00 | Premium for high-condition export version. |
The primary factor driving price stratification is the combination of ABV and condition. The optimal source target is the 43% ABV version, specifically when accompanied by a mint-condition presentation tin. This combination pushes the valuation toward the higher end, positioning the item as a desirable collector's piece. Lower-strength 40% versions or bottles missing the historical packaging will align with the low end of auction realisations.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Under its ownership during the 1980s, Glen Moray was highly valued for its consistent provision of quality malt, specialising in American oak maturation. The distillery defined the reliable, sweet, and approachable end of the Speyside spectrum. While modern production has increased significantly, these vintage bottlings remain a reference point for the distillery’s historical character.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: The primary sourcing target must be the 43% ABV bottling (75cl or 750ml) in full presentation.
Red flags to avoid: Bottles showing fill levels below the shoulder line (MS or LS) should be avoided due to the increased risk of oxidation. Lots where the original presentation tin is damaged, heavily faded, or absent significantly reduces collector value.
Condition thresholds: Excellent label condition is necessary. The minimum fill level must be High Shoulder (HS). Near Mint (NM) condition of the presentation tin is essential.
Margin/velocity expectations: Strong margin potential is achievable on verified 43% bottles in mint condition. Velocity is moderate but consistent within the niche of vintage Speyside and historical military collection segments.
