Glen Moray unveils new 2005 Tokaji Finish UK exclusive for Warehouse 1 relaunch
Today we got to try the new Glen Moray’s ‘Warehouse 1’ release – a 2005 Tokaji Finish expression, which is the first of three whiskies scheduled in 2021 from the ‘new look’ Warehouse 1 Collection, the other two being Barolo and Manzanilla – which sound exciting!
The whisky was distilled in October 2005 and is finished in Hungarian oak casks that once held Tokaji Aszú wine, for Tokaji lovers Glen Moray use a 5 puttonyos Tokaji Aszu. The five Tokaji casks have produced 1244 bottles of whisky for the UK market.
On the nose, it is citrus and sweet and cake-like in character. We could easily sit and sniff this all day, but that isn’t what we have whisky for so let’s dive into the taste. This is a cask strength whisky that doesn’t taste like the 53.6% label.
Tastewise, this is clean and smooth, which isn’t what was expected. Sweet, of course, which is like maple syrup and a slightly syrupy texture. We tried this with water as well, and we don’t think that it needed it. The taste was long-lasting and the syrupy thickness means that it lasts a long time in the mouth. This was interesting to drink on its own, easily sipped on a summers day. Perfect for sitting out in the garden.
The new Tokaji Finish expression will be the first of three launches scheduled for the Collection in 2021. All will share a common theme, celebrating Glen Moray’s classic Speyside spirit matured in casks sourced from some of Europe’s oldest, noblest and most distinctively flavoured wine varieties.
As Glen Moray Brand Ambassador Iain Allan notes: ‘When our distillers talk about Warehouse 1 it’s almost as if they’re letting you into a secret. This is their special space for experimentation, innovation and patiently waiting for the character of each whisky to develop.
‘Our team searches the world for interesting casks and they’re not afraid to push the boundaries, try the unusual and creatively combine Glen Moray whisky with unexpected casks. In this case, we have turned to Tokaji, which is a very old but lesser-known wine that has created a wonderful, flavour-packed dram that we’re very proud to release.
‘It’s also very fitting that Warehouse 1 now has its own new and distinctive identity. This is a mark that signifies exclusive, small scale releases, non-chill-filtered and bottled at cask strength and with natural colour. Drinkers can be assured that each whisky has been made with a spirit of adventure, resulting in a dram packed with character and delicious flavour.
‘I’m excited to see what whisky fans will make of our new Tokaji release, and as we move through 2021, I can promise there are more surprises to come from Warehouse 1.’
Glen Moray Warehouse 1 2005 Tokaji Finish is bottled at cask strength (56.3% ABV), non-chill-filtered and with natural colour. It is a UK exclusive, available in 70cl packs in specialist whisky shops, RRP £75.
Find out more about Glen Moray on their website – Glen Moray Website
LET’S CONNECT!
You can also subscribe to Foodie Explorers to keep up to date