French spirits group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet will showcase two new travel shopping-exclusive products at TFWA World Exhibition (Yellow Village, G54). The company said it will use the event to highlight the heritage and exclusivity of its Glen Moray Speyside single malt whiskies.
Glen Moray Classic Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish joins the Glen Moray Classic Collection. Glen Moray Elgin Signature is a collection of three whiskies – Classic, 12yo and 15yo – which are all exclusive to travel retail.
The 1-litre expressions are created in selected casks and bottled straight from the barrel to ensure a high proof finish of at least 48%. La Martiniquaise said the three spirits give an “excellent overview” of the whiskies that have for over 120 years been produced at the Glen Moray distillery in Elgin, in the heart of Speyside.
The Classic targets ‘novices’ who are seeking an introduction to single malts while the 12yo and 15yo offer connoisseurs an “unrivalled flavour profile”. Each of the whiskies is non-chill filtered.
Glen Moray Brand Manager Raphaele Delerue commented: “This new collection is steeped in the age-old traditions we hold dear. It literally goes from barrel to bottle – meaning we can offer a higher proof product.
“Sampling all three of the Elgin Signature collection is, we believe, an experience that’s as close to stepping through the doors of our Elgin Distillery as you can get. The collection sums up our pride for Glen Moray and we’re delighted to bring it exclusively to the travel retail market for the first time in this new 1-litre format.”
La Martiniquaise said Classic Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish combines the smoothness of a Speyside single malt with the “powerfully pungent fruit” of a fine Cabernet Sauvignon.
After years of ageing in ex-Bourbon oak barrels, the single malt is transferred to wine casks for its final few months of maturation, where it takes on blackcurrant and sweet cherry notes. The result, La Martiniquaise said, is an “unforgettable dram that will delight whisky newcomers while still engaging the palate of seasoned enthusiasts with new, intriguing flavour combinations”.
Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish expression is the sixth whisky in the Glen Moray Classic Collection, which has Elgin Classic at the heart of each expression.
“We’re delighted to see the Glen Moray Classic Collection going from strength to strength with this exciting new addition to the family,” said Glen Moray Distillery Master Distiller Graham Coull. He said the expression will appeal to seasoned whisky drinkers and to wine aficionados looking for an introduction into the world of whisky.
Delerue added: “This new addition to our Classic Collection showcases our commitment to embracing new and experimental techniques while still respecting our heritage. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best-known and most appreciated grapes in the world. We feel sure its marriage with our stunning Speyside single malt will be hugely popular.”
La Martiniquaise said the USA is the expression’s initial launch market.
Tasting Notes:
Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish: The whisky is gold-coloured and offers honey, apple jelly, toffee and honeycomb on the nose. Its taste includes vanilla, pepper and spice, dark chocolate and charred oak, with a sweet finish ending in oak and spice.
Elgin Signature 12yo: Elgin Classic is aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels to offer a whisky rich with vanilla and toffee flavours. Elgin Signature 12yo offers a more intense taste experience, with notes including vanilla toffee, dark fruits and toasted oak.
Elgin Signature 15yo: Aged in Oloroso sherry and American oak casks and described by La Martiniquaise as “moreishly mouthwatering”. Tastes combine cinnamon spice, dark chocolate, toasted vanilla and caramelised red berries.
