Nutty, spicy whisky is inspired by Glenmorangie creator’s favourite sherry – Scotch Whisky News
Nutty, spicy whisky is inspired by Glenmorangie creator’s favourite sherry
— Exclusive to Australia and the UK, small-batch series’ new release is finished in Amontillado casks —
Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky today shares a delicately nutty and spicy bottling inspired by Amontillado, its creator’s favourite style of sherry.
Available exclusively to whisky lovers in Australia and the UK, Glenmorangie Amontillado Finish is the fourth release in the Distillery’s Barrel Select Release series of small-batch single malts. Deliciously balancing notes of cashews, clove and ginger with citrus tones, the 12-year-old whisky gives Glenmorangie’s fruitiness a subtly complex twist.
Glenmorangie’s whisky makers are endlessly experimental on their mission to dream up delicious single malt whiskies for more people to enjoy. Led by acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, they craft their delicate, fruity spirit in stills as tall as an adult giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma, then age it in the world’s finest casks.
A long-time fan of Amontillado sherry, Dr Bill has always adored its nuttier, spicier style. Years ago, he began to imagine a unique, delicious whisky, which would entwine its casks’ distinctive flavours through the Distillery’s gentle, honeyed style. But since such casks are hard to come by, opportunities are few and far between.
Eventually, Dr Bill sourced a precious handful of Amontillado casks. Then he filled them with a soft, mellow whisky which had spent eight years in American white oak bourbon barrels. Transferring it into the Amontillado casks, he left it to age for another four years, until it achieved the flavours he had dreamed of. Finished in this way, the whisky winds sherried hints of cashews, clove, ginger and dried fruit round Glenmorangie’s classic notes of peaches, orange and lemon balsam.
Dr Bill hand-selected the finest of those precious casks to be bottled for the Distillery’s Barrel Select Release. He said: “I have always loved the nuttier, spicier tastes of Amontillado – my favourite style of sherry. It’s such a delight to bring its casks’ sherried influences to our whisky’s signature delicate style for this special release.
“Aromas of dried fruit and cashews are balanced with peaches, while tastes of clove and ginger contrast wonderfully with orange and lemon. Our fourth Barrel Select Release, Glenmorangie Amontillado Finish, is a delicious treat for any whisky lover.”
Glenmorangie Amontillado Finish is available now exclusively through The Whisky Club Australia, at the Glenmorangie Distillery Visitor Centre in Tain, and online in the UK at Glenmorangie.com, RRP: £75.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glenmorangie
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Tasting Notes:
Glenmorangie Amontillado Finish is non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV
Colour: Bright Amber
Aroma: Scents of rose, carnation and jasmine entwine with fragrant candle wax and hints of cashew nuts. A splash of water releases Amontillado’s classic dried fruit notes, followed by peaches in syrup.
Taste: A soft and mouthcoating texture is wonderfully balanced by effervescent and spicy notes. Clove and ginger find harmony with Glenmorangie’s signature citrus tastes of orange sherbet, lemon balsam and eucalyptus oil, with undertones of walnut oil and leather.
Finish: Slow and lingering, with notes of honey and aniseed.
RRP: £75
About Barrel Select Release:
Glenmorangie’s Barrel Select Release series comprises small-batch bottlings exploring the flavours which arise from different cask finishes. The first release in the series was the indulgently sweet and rich Glenmorangie Malaga Cask Finish, a 12-year-old whisky finished in Spain’s Malaga wine casks. The second release was Glenmorangie Cognac Cask Finish, an elegantly oaky and fruity 13-year-old whisky, finished in Cognac casks. Glenmorangie Palo Cortado Finish was the third release in the series. This deeply sweet and nutty 12-year-old bottling was Glenmorangie’s first ever to be finished in rare Palo Cortado sherry casks. Nutty and spicy, Glenmorangie Amontillado Finish is the series’ fourth release, and is shared exclusively with members of The Whisky Club, Australia, visitors to the distillery’s brand home and online to UK customers at Glenmorangie.com.
About Glenmorangie:
Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for more than 175 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as an adult giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.
Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s Kind of Delicious and Wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.
About Dr Bill Lumsden:
Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout more than 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that the spirit and flavour of Glenmorangie’s homeland (the Cadboll Estate series), the magic of a cake moment (Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), and more. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. He features in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he was named twice Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge.
Responsible Drinking:
The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.
