Often when I utter the term “fruit bomb”, I use it to describe a slightly older dram that has spent – let’s say – 16 or more years in the cask. That is because it usually takes a certain amount of time before those full-on fruit notes reached the climax of their development. Even in the context of a whisky, the fruits gotta ripen, it seems. Every now and then, however, I also stumble upon a much younger whisky that totally deserves to be labeled as a “fruit bomb”, too. This independently bottled Glen Moray 10 Years Old from England-based whisky mavens Claxton’s is one such dram. It is bright, crisp, clear, pleasing, inviting and, of course, brimming with all sorts of fruits (most of which are yellow and green in color). Honestly: It is hard to believe that this flavorsome Speysider spent its entire maturation time in a first fill ex-bourbon barrel; it rather seems as if it was drawn directly from a can of sliced pineapples or halved peaches. But kidding aside, the mouthwatering notes I found in this superb single cask release by Claxton’s are among the best that a fresh and active ex-bourbon cask can produce in my opinion! Needless to say, I am very happy that I secured a bottle of this Glen Moray 10 Years Old back when it was first on sale.

by Tobi

Eye: Sunrays in spring.
Nose: A tornado of sweet, crisp fruits: apple, maracuja, peach, strawberry and tangerine. Above all, there is a thin layer of curcuma powder. And down below, there is a creamy foundation of icing sugar, butter cookie and vanilla sauce. The scents are somewhat dry-ish, but also colorful and vibrant.
Palate: Within seconds, the oral cavity gets flooded by a rush of fruits! Among others, the peach and the maracuja and the strawberry from the nosing make a return. They are joined by more exotic and slightly sour notes of kiwi, kumquat and pineapple. Also, some grated pomelo zest. Furthermore, there is sweet whipped cream and caramel-coated vanilla sundae. Whereas the cask strength ABV was still rather leveled in nostrils, it shows itself in a more explosive and electrifying form on the tongue. Take cover, everybody – this fruit bomb has just exploded!
Finish: The aftertaste is honey-sweet and packed with fruit – now accompanied by pastry, too. It reminds me of a fluffy flan base with lots of jellied, canned fruits spread upon it: peaches, tangerines and pineapples (now sweetened). After a while, the fruit notes swap places with the lasting flavors of natural coconut and sunny wood. These good sensations remain with me for long.

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Region: Scotland (Speyside)
Age: 10 years
Alc. volume: 54.5%
Cask type: 1st-fill ex-bourbon barrel
# of bottles: 261
Bottle size: 0.7 litres
Price range: ~65.00 Euro
More info: https://claxtonsspirits.com/ (Bottler) ; https://www.glenmoray.com/ (Distillery)

*** I bought the bottle as a regular customer. ***