I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Glen Moray distillery tour, and I must say, it was an absolute delight for whisky enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of captivating, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of whisky production.
The tour began with a warm welcome from the knowledgeable and friendly staff who shared a genuine passion for their craft. Their expertise and enthusiasm shone through as they guided us through the distillery, explaining the intricate processes involved in creating Glen Moray's renowned whiskies. It was truly enlightening to witness the meticulous attention to detail and the artistry that goes into every bottle.
One of the highlights of the tour was exploring the distillery's traditional copper stills. The sight of these magnificent vessels, standing proud and gleaming, was awe-inspiring. Our guide expertly explained how these stills play a crucial role in shaping the distinct flavors and characteristics of Glen Moray whiskies. It was a privilege to gain insight into the craftsmanship that has been honed over generations.
As we walked through the warehouse, the delightful aroma of whisky maturing in oak casks filled the air. The guide shared fascinating anecdotes about the maturation process and how the unique characteristics of the barrels influence the final product. The sensory experience of being surrounded by countless casks, each with its own story to tell, was truly memorable.
Of course, no distillery tour would be complete without a tasting, and Glen Moray did not disappoint. The tasting session allowed us to sample a selection of their exceptional whiskies, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into every bottle. The flavors ranged from smooth and mellow to rich and complex, offering a delightful exploration of the distillery's diverse range.
The tour concluded with a visit to the distillery shop, where a wide array of Glen Moray whiskies and related merchandise awaited. The friendly staff provided personalized recommendations based on our preferences, ensuring that we could take a piece of the Glen Moray experience...
Read moreDropped by the distillery after a visit to Benriach last week to check out the hand-fills and other exclusives, and left a bit disappointed. Not sure if there have been new orders from higher ups about offering free samples, but I was immediately directed to the tasting flights menu. Fair enough - a distillery isn't a free bar after all - so I ordered the three hand-fills for £10 which was a decent price. After a brief intro about the whiskies, I was told I could have sample bottles if I didn't want to finish any.
After trying the first two (I particularly liked the 2006 refill Oloroso), I asked for a sample bottle to take the last one home, and was told I needed to buy a pack of three for £3. I explained I only needed the one to take the last whisky home, and again was told I had to buy it for £1. Now, I'm not one to argue about one pound (and in the end I was given the bottle anyway after my surprised look), but that did seem pretty stingy by Glen Moray, especially since there was no mention I had to buy the sample bottle when it was brought up by the lady who served me.
I'm not here to make a mountain out of a molehill (I enjoyed the whiskies so it wasn't an overall negative experience), but it was in stark contrast to last year when I was offered samples of all three casks, which led to me buying a bottle. I was ready to bottle the 2006 Oloroso this time, but ended up just leaving after the unnecessary back-and-forth about the sample bottle. I don't want to blame anyone - nobody was rude to me and I enjoyed the brief flight - but the overall experience definitely fell short compared to the generosity of other distilleries.
So, a bit of constructive criticism for management - don't make staff charge customers for every little thing and you might end up making more money. Asking me for £3 out of the blue (when it wasn't mentioned in advance) ended up costing you the £99 I would've paid to...
Read moreWhat an amazing tour that was worth every minute/pound.
Rafal was our tour guide. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and darn helpful. We booked the Heritage Tour to start at 12pm and didn’t end up leaving until close to 3:30pm..
We toured the closest we’d ever been to the production process in a working distillery and got a real behind the scenes look at the distilling/making process that we haven’t had at other distilleries.
The story of Glen Moray is really great and the history behind the site of the distillery is amazing.
Rafal really knew his whisky and you could tell he was passionate, not just about whisky but about the distillery itself.
Once the tour had ended, we spent some time in the gift shop. Once you’ve seen a few distillery gift shops, you’ll easily recognise the quality and value for money that Glen Moray offers.
We also had lunch and it was easily the best value/tasting lunch we’d had in Scotland.
Thank you, Glen Moray, for an amazing experience that is a highlight of our Scotland trip for...
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