Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch: Winter Tranquility

I greatly enjoy the various Scotches produced by the Glenmorangie Distillery, which is located north of Inverness, about half a mile from Tain, in the Highlands of Scotland. In Gaelic, Glenmorangie means "Valley of Tranquility." It's the smallest distillery in the Highlands and was founded in 1843 by a farmer, William Matheson, who bought a couple of ex-gin stills in England to start producing scotch. These stills were over 16 feet tall, the tallest in Scotland, and the distillery now possess 24 stills. The height provides a higher distillate, which ends up being lighter and smoother than some smaller stills. Glenmorangie is currently owned by Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton (LVMH).

Glenmorangie possesses their own water source, the Tarlogie Springs, including approximately 100 acres around it, to ensure the purity and quality of their water. Their barley is sourced only from Scotland. As I've mentioned before, the oak barrel is one of the most significant aspects of whiskey production, providing 60%-70% of the flavor and all of the color. Glenmorangie contracts with loggers in the Ozark Mountains for American white oak and then have the barrels constructed from the finest wood. They then lend the barrels to two American bourbon and whiskey distilleries for aging. After the barrels are used, they are then disassembled and sent to Scotland, to be reassembled and used to age Glenmorangie. They only use their barrels twice, as opposed to some other distilleries which may use them five or six times.

Dr. Bill Lumsden, the Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation, and Whisky Stocks, is a pioneer in the use of double maturation and the distillery is also well known for its experimentation. Their tagline is "unnecessarily well made," Their Scotch tends to be a lighter, ethereal, and layered style, which can be more consumer friendly than some other scotches. Yet it's far from simple, indicating the complexity and flavors possible within single malts. In addition, it's very food friendly, although not enough people consider pairing Scotch with dinner. 

The signet found on every bottle of Glenmorangie has its roots in the ancient past. At the end of the 8th century, the native Picts carved a huge stone, the Cadboll Stone, which eventually became the oldest recorded archaelogical find in Scotland. Though the Stone was eventually relocated to the National Museum in Scotland, Glenmorangie commissioned a stone replica which was eventually placed on its original location. The signet on their bottles is one of the carvings on this Stone.

The Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Year Old Single Malt ($120-$150), with a 43% ABV, was matured for 15 years in American white oak, ex-bourbon casks, with 30% finished in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks for three years. On the nose, there were more subtle and complex aromas of caramel, honey, and floral accents. On the palate, the Scotch was complex and compelling, smooth and ethereal,  with an intriguing melange of flavors, including dried fruits, caramel, figs, salted nuts, and a touch of citrus. It possessed a lengthy and satisfying finish, emphasizing the Oloroso elements. An excellent sipping whiskey, especially on a chilly winter night, providing a sense of tranquility and pleasure. It's also something best shared, with good friends or family, which would enhance the experience. Highly recommended.