Glen Moray Phoenix Rising

The last month of 2023 saw the release of this new, no-age-statement whisky from Glen Moray. The distillery is famed for its good value whisky available at very reasonable prices and this is no different - available (if you can find it) for around £30. The unique selling point of this expression is the ‘unusual’ way it is matured. The ‘Phoenix Rising’, a reference to the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, is a nod to the fact that the whisky is finished in new, heavily-charred oak barrels with the intention of adding spice to the classic Glen Moray whisky; let’s find out if it delivers.

Bottle

Glen Moray whisky bottles have a distinctive shape with the neck being ever so slightly reminiscent of a pot still. They look functional more than fancy but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The label has been largely unchanged for the last 25 years and, in my view, lets you know immediately that you are getting a cheaper whisky. Cheap is obviously good, provided the whisky is good too.

Colour

The whisky has a rich hue, maybe around muscat or sherry on the colour chart. Glen Moray often use colouring in their whiskies and, although I haven’t been able to confirm it, I suspect that this is also artificially coloured so it doesn’t tell us much about the whisky.

Nose - There’s a lovely, elegant aroma from this whisky. Vanilla and caramel are prominent but the new oak is also distinctive. There is maybe just a hint of ginger to balance the sweeter aromas and a subtle apple blossom note to round it out.

Palate - The whisky is smooth in the mouth and, in addition to the vanilla, caramel and oak that are present here too, there is really spiciness. I get quite a strong taste of ginger and peppercorns; there is certainly a zing to this dram.

Finish - Quite a long finish that is full of mouth coating spiciness and, as the sweetness fades, your tongue is left with the ginger and peppercorn for longer than you expect - very satisfying.

Overall

Nearly every distillery in Scotland is releasing an experimental whisky of some sort at the moment. Typically it is a way for them to extract a little extra money on top of their core range. Obviously, I don’t begrudge them this - we are all looking for something a little different in a new bottle of whisky. This experimental bottling is, however, refreshing good value - if you can find it, it is typically available for under £30. As I mentioned above, Glen Moray has made a name for themselves as relatively cheap (but still good quality) whisky and Phoenix Rising is no different - an interesting dram with a spicy twist to it. Their experiment was well worth it! Unfortunately, it seems to be quite difficult to get hold of, at least here in the UK. Sliànte mhath, especially if you can find a bottle!