This rare Malt Whisky has been matured for twenty five years in casks of American white oak from the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, which have previously been used in the making of bourbon. The casks lie undisturbed in Glenmorangie's traditional stone-built, earthen floored warehouses on the Dornoch Firth, where they are permeated by fresh sea air; the gentle local climate ensuring a steady path to maturity. The result of this care and patience is a single malt whisky of rare distinction, with the subtle and refined expressions of Glenmorangie.
The seasoning of the oaken casks with bourbon removes the harsher more astringent oak characteristics, giving a mellowness to the sleeping spirit, and allowing the more delicate flavours and aromas present in the whisky to develop over the long period of maturation. Glenmorangie, have found that transferring the mature whisky to air-dried, freshly charred new oak for a further short period of finishing, adds other unique flavours, and intriguing spice
Colour is deep gold. Nose is rich and smooth and spicey. The oak leaps out, with vanilla, walnuts and roasted coffee. Balanced between the dryness of oak, the nut and the spice, are the sweetness of vanilla, honey and chocolate. With water, the flavours come sweet with caramel and citrus, then, gentle oak with cloves and cinnamon. The flavour develops further into a slight smokiness, coffee, and walnuts. The mouthfeel is warm and spicey, a sumptuous velvety texture. The finish is long, with a sweet but slightly peppery aftertaste, leaving behind traces of cinnamon, coffee and chocolate
