Glen Moray Classic Single Malt Shelf Review

Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.

When thinking of the Scottish Highlands, most people seem to overlook the lovely town of Elgin in favor of Inverness. The historic capital of the Highlands, Elgin is located close to the northern coast of Speyside. And while it’s incredibly close to a lot of distilleries, there’s only one located within city limits. Enter Glen Moray distillery - a company known for whiskies designed to never break the bank.  Today, we dive into one of their “Explorer Collection” expressions, – the Classic Single Malt. Bottled at 40% ABV, matured in American ex-bourbon casks, and an MSRP of only $25, how good could it be? I love surprises. Let’s dive in and find out.

Age: Non-Age Stated

ABV: 40%

Cask: Fully ex-bourbon casks

MSRP: $25

Distillery Name: Glen Moray Distillery

Review Date: 1/16/26 

Nose: Honey, lemongrass, wild berries and Juicy Fruit gum. As it settles, a touch of ashy flint.  

Palate: Soft, gentle palate with lots of bright fruits: melon, kiwi, strawberry and a dusting of fresh cracked pepper. Watery, thin mouthfeel with a touch of saline. 

Finish: Short finish a slight note of herbal tea and spice but not much else.

Score: 83 

Would I buy again? Glen Moray’s Classic Single Malt isn’t trying to do be too much – and in that, it succeeds. While it may be a good entry point for someone just getting into scotch whisky, for anyone else, this isn’t going to provide much interest. Its nose is decent, with some bright fruits and honey, but the palate comes off as watery and the finish is too short to provide much of anything at all. It’s a forgettable whisky – something that’s likely reserved for times where whisky probably shouldn’t come up. Use it in a cocktail – that’s what I plan to do.