Strict regulations define what can legally be called Scotch whisky, and Glen Moray’s two new festival-exclusive bottlings fall just outside that line. Both expressions were matured in ex-Canadian maple syrup casks, a type still not permitted under current rules—even as the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has recently opened up to more exotic cask types like shochu, baijiu, or mezcal.
One bottling is peated, the other unpeated, and both will be available exclusively at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Label details—particularly on the unpeated release—suggest full maturation in maple syrup casks, not just finishing.
Iain Allan, Glen Moray’s Global Brand Ambassador, commented:
“We’re always exploring new cask finishes to push flavour boundaries. These limited-edition maple syrup casks are a bold example—the maple impact is immediate and unmistakable: rich, syrupy sweetness that adds depth while letting Glen Moray’s character shine.
The unpeated spirit brings out classic dessert notes—fudge, roasted nuts, soft spice—while the peated version is something else entirely. Smoke and syrup play off each other in a bold, layered drink that’s both sweet and dry. We love surprising people at Spirit of Speyside, and these flavour-packed bottlings reflect our curiosity as distillers—even after 125 years, we’re still finding new ways to spark flavour.”
Both releases are single cask, cask strength, and limited to around 200 bottles each and available at its distillery from 30 April.
- Unpeated: 59% ABV
- Peated: 59.1% ABV
- Price: £90 per bottle
