In the picturesque town of Elgin, Speyside, there lies a distillery with a mysterious gap between its history and its flavor.
This is Glen Moray.
While renowned for its creamy, floral, and fruity profile, few know of the dark “history of death and curses” that sleeps beneath its warehouses.
The Haunting Legacy of Gallows Hill The ground upon which Glen Moray stands was once known as “Gallows Hill.”
From the 16th to the 17th century, this was Elgin’s public execution site.
It was a place of sorrow, where many women accused in the witch trials met their tragic ends. Today, it is a quiet residential area, but the land remembers its past.
The Discovery of Seven Skulls This dark history was confirmed in 1962 during the construction of Warehouse No. 1. Workers unearthed seven human skulls from the foundation.
In a touchingly human yet eerie local anecdote, the site engineer at the time felt such pity for the remains that he placed one of the skulls on his dashboard and took it for a drive, showing the spirit how much the town of Elgin had changed.
A Beautiful Contrast in a Glass You might expect a distillery built on such “heavy” ground to produce a dark, brooding spirit.
However, Glen Moray is the complete opposite. It is celebrated for its incredible fruitiness, lightness, and gentle character.
As a Japanese Whisky Expert who has personally walked the grounds of Speyside, I find this contrast to be a profound reflection of life itself.
My journey from a non-drinker to an expert surrounded by 1,000 bottles taught me that every encounter has a deeper meaning.
Your encounter with a glass of Glen Moray at Bar Little Happiness tonight is a true HITSUZEN—an inevitable moment where the shadows of the past meet the light of your present journey.
I invite you to sip this gentle Speyside malt while reflecting on the heavy history it has overcome. In the quiet sanctuary of our Hiroshima bar, the story of Glen Moray tastes even more profound.
Delving into the Depths of the Story: For those interested in the detailed history of this distillery and my personal reflections, please see my original column here. It’s packed with photos. (Japanese): (You can translate it into your preferred language using the language switch function at the top of this site)↓
出逢いは必然。Rum&Whiskyの世界へようこそ。 (An encounter is inevitable. Welcome to the world of Rum & Whisky.)
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