Nutty, spicy whisky is inspired by Glenmorangie creator’s favourite sherry
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.
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.
