Situated on the banks of the River Lossie in Speyside, Glen Moray, has unveiled its latest bottling, the Smoky 12 Single Malt, the distilleries first fully peated aged single malt expression, harmonising a sophisticated smoky profile with the distillery’s signature smooth character.
Crafted with peated barley malt, this release celebrates Glen Moray’s expertise in cask exploration, with the liquid having matured in a combination of American and European oak casks. It is the latest addition to the distillery’s newly refreshed Heritage range, which features updated packaging that highlights the craftsmanship behind Glen Moray’s aged whisky collection. Alongside the Smoky 12, the distillery’s updated range features the 12-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old and 18-Year-Old expressions, each offering a unique experience for whisky lovers and showcasing Glen Moray’s artistry in cask exploration.
The Smoky 12 Single Malt boasts a rich complexity which stems from maturation in both American and European oak casks. American oak lends a smooth, sweet foundation with notes of vanilla and caramel, while European oak adds layers of spice, subtle tannins, and depth.
The whisky unveils inviting aromas of gentle smoke intertwined with orchard fruits and vanilla. On the palate, flavours of caramelized apples and baked plums blend seamlessly with a touch of peat, delivering a beautifully balanced experience. Its long, memorable finish transitions from luscious fruity notes to smoky embers and oak tannins. Bottled at 46.3% ABV and non-chill filtered, the whisky preserves its natural character and flavour integrity.
Iain Allan, global brand ambassador at Glen Moray, said: “The launch of the Smoky 12 marks an exciting milestone for us at the distillery. Since we first started using peat in 2010, we’ve been patiently crafting and maturing our stock. Now, we’re proud to present our first fully peated, aged Glen Moray single malt.
“This is not your traditional Islay peated whisky. It carries the unmistakable charm of Speyside, offering a softer, more balanced flavour profile that beautifully complements the influence of both European and American oak casks. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, it delivers a rich, luxurious texture that enhances the depth of flavours.
“Cask exploration has been at the heart of what we do for many years and will remain a key focus for us in the future. This release perfectly embodies what Glen Moray stands for – heritage, exploration and a passion for exceptional quality whiskies.
“It’s a whisky that invites exploration, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast seeking something unique or a newcomer looking to experience the nuanced world of peated single malt Scotch. Marrying fruity sweetness with the bold intrigue of peat, each sip offers a journey through layers of flavour.”
Since its establishment in 1897 in Elgin, Speyside, Glen Moray has been crafting exceptional single malts and a pioneer in exploring the transformative impact of wood on whisky flavour—a legacy embodied in this exciting new release. That very tradition and exploration is encapsulated in its motto, “Cask Explorer Since 1897.”
The Smoky 12 will be available in markets around the world in 2025 and is available now at Glen Moray distillery.
For more information about Glen Moray, visit www.glenmoray.com.
