Description

Royal Brackla Aged 8 Years Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – North Star (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 55.3%           Age: 8 Years Old       Country: Scotland

Cask Number: Batch 018
Date of Distilling: July 2008
Date of Bottling: March 2022
Matured In: A Single Red Wine Barrique
Un-Chillfiltered

The Whisky

Step into the world of experimental Speyside with the Glen Moray 13 Year Old North Star (Cask Series 018). Distilled in July 2008 and bottled in March 2022, this 700ml single malt is a fascinating study in wood influence. While many Speyside whiskies are tucked away in bourbon or sherry wood, this expression was matured for its full 13 year life in a single Red Wine Barrique.

Presented at a blistering natural cask strength of 58.8% ABV, this release is highly exclusive, with only 157 bottles drawn from the cask. Glen Moray’s spirit is famously light, fruity, and “cereal forward,” making it the perfect canvas for the intense tannins and dark berry notes of a wine barrique. By opting for full maturation rather than a short finish, North Star has ensured that the “vinous” character is deeply woven into the DNA of the spirit, rather than just sitting on the surface.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and creamy opening. You are greeted by the comforting aroma of toasted vanilla pods on warm rice pudding, which quickly evolves into a deeper, vinous character. As it breathes, notes of old dunnage warehouses and red berry coulis emerge, creating a rich and atmospheric bouquet that hints at the 13 years spent in French oak.

Palate: The arrival is intense, oily, and bursting with red fruit. It delivers a “fistful” of vibrant flavours: cranberry, pomegranate, and plum wine. Mid-palate, the 58.8% strength provides a spicy structure of brown sugar and candied prunes, balanced by a buttery texture that carries the tartness of the wine tannins beautifully.

Finish: Long, tangy, and delicately sharp. The finish lingers with a buttery mouthfeel and sweet spice, finally tapering off with a final, refreshing lift of red currant and drying oak.

The Distillery

Glen Moray, situated on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin, has been a pioneer of experimental maturation since the 1890s. Its spirit is produced using wide-necked stills that encourage a light, ester rich character. A unique factual detail: Glen Moray’s maturation warehouses are remarkably close to the river level, which some believe creates a higher humidity that slows down the “Angels’ Share” and allows for a more gentle, nuanced interaction with active wood types like Red Wine Barriques. In this independent bottling, that patient maturation has resulted in a spirit that is both powerful and incredibly poised.

Overall Review

The Glen Moray 13 Year Old Red Wine Barrique is globally reviewed as a “fruit forward triumph,” praised for its bold departure from the distillery’s typical honeyed style. Critics have lauded its “vibrant acidity and rich texture,” marking it as a mandatory purchase for enthusiasts looking for a high proof Speysider that expertly navigates the complex world of wine-cask maturation.