GLENMORANGIE’S NINTH PRIVATE EDITION INSPIRED BY AMERICAN RYE WHISKEY – Scotch Whisky News
GLENMORANGIE’S NINTH PRIVATE EDITION INSPIRED BY AMERICAN RYE WHISKEY
Glenmorangie’s first single malt whisky fully matured in American ex-rye whiskey casks is today revealed as the ninth release in the Highland Distillery’s acclaimed Private Edition series.
Glenmorangie Spìos, the Private Edition for 2018, exhibits a sophistication and subtle spice inspired by American rye whiskey. With its savoury and full-bodied character, Glenmorangie Spìos (Scots Gaelic for ‘spice’ and pronounced ‘spee-oss’) recalls the glittering heyday of American rye when production levels of rye whiskey were at an all-time high, it was hugely popular and considered highly desirable. Indeed, classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Sazerac all used rye as their base alcohol when they were first created, over time, the spirit fell from favour and slipped into obscurity, where it would remain for years to come.
When travelling in the U.S. in the late 1990s, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, sought out some of the few remaining rye distilleries, intrigued by the whiskey’s history. He found its characteristics of cinnamon and clove so captivating, that he decided to experiment with American ex-rye whiskey casks. Aware that a spirit of Glenmorangie’s renowned smoothness could invite rye’s subtleties to shine through in a way that many others would not, he was determined to one day bring a hint of American rye whiskey’s character to the Distillery’s renowned spirit.
To make Glenmorangie Spìos, Dr Bill sourced the finest first-fill casks from American whiskey’s heartland of Kentucky. And long before the rye resurgence of today began, he arranged for these hand-selected oak casks to be shipped across the world, to the Glenmorangie Distillery.
Dr Bill comments: “I have always loved American rye whiskey’s spicy character, and I believed our smooth house style would perfectly complement the nuances of ex-rye casks. The result is Glenmorangie Spìos – a full-bodied, savoury single malt which brings to mind American rye whiskey’s golden age. Its fresh, herbal nose hints at cherry, clove and scents of green grass. The rye’s spice bursts on to the palate, as toffee, clove and cinnamon mingle with buttery vanilla, before a sweet and lingering finish – a single malt whisky which is unmistakeably Glenmorangie, yet exquisitely different.”
Bottled at 46% ABV, and non-chill filtered for extra body and texture, Glenmorangie Spìos will be available from www.Clos19.com and specialist whisky shops worldwide priced at £79 from 30th January.
NOTES:
Tasting Notes:
Colour: Straw gold
Nose: Fresh, herbal and perfumed, hints of cherry, clove and mint toffee, with some green grassy notes. A splash of water releases more perfumed, ‘ethereal’ notes, crisp, clean and fresh, with myriad herbal notes.
Taste: Spicy texture, lots of toffee, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet, buttery vanilla.
Finish: Rich, sweet and lingering, with more fudge, toffee, brazil nut and tangy citrus.
About Glenmorangie:
Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at
the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland for a purer spirit, expertly matured in the finest oak casks for great depth, and perfected by the Men of Tain, who have passed their skills down the generations. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as among the pioneers in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.
The Glenmorangie Private Edition:
Glenmorangie’s Private Edition is an award-winning series of limited releases which provides an annual opportunity for whisky connoisseurs and aficionados to experience a rare and intriguing single malt. Glenmorangie Spìos is the ninth release in the series. Previous releases include Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX (IWSC 2010 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Finealta (IWSC 2012 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Artein (IWSC 2013 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Ealanta (IWSC 2013 Gold Medal and World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014); Glenmorangie Companta (San Francisco Spirit Awards Gold Medal 2014), Glenmorangie Tùsail (San Francisco Spirit Awards Gold Medal 2015), Glenmorangie Milsean (ISC 2016 Gold Medal) and, in 2017, Glenmorangie Bacalta (IWSC 2017 Gold Medal).
About Dr Bill Lumsden:
Dr Bill Lumsden is Glenmorangie’s acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation, Distilling & Whisky Stocks. Dr Bill is regarded by the malt whisky industry as an innovator, creating whiskies which have revolutionised the single-malt market. In recognition of his team’s work, The Glenmorangie Company was named Distiller of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2012. Dr Bill, who has a PhD in biochemistry, has combined art and science in his work since he joined The Glenmorangie Company in 1995. He is renowned for his groundbreaking wood management techniques, experimentation with exceptional casks at various ages, and use of extra-maturation. Dr Bill has won a series of prestigious awards and accolades. He recently added to his plaudits by winning the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year 2016 and 2017. He was further honoured with the title of Master Distiller/Blender of the Year, at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2016 awards.
