Glenmorangie: The Story of How Unconventional Brewing Methods Produce Some Of The World’s Smoothest Whiskies

Oh, how we love our single malts here at The Good Stuff. There’s something about Scottish valleys or ‘glens‘ and their ability to produce the best single malt scotch whiskies in the world.

While nearly everybody knows of Glenlivet and Glenfiddich, there’s one brand of single malt that doesn’t really get the exposure and love it deserves. That brand dear readers, is none other than Glenmorangie.

Humble Beginnings & The Men Of Tain

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The Glenmorangie distillery we know today was originally a local brewery in Tain – a town situated in the Scottish Highlands. Then in 1843, William Matheson decided to convert the brewery into a whisky distillery but formally began operations in the year 1849.

Popularity for the spirit began to grow among the local public who’d queue up for some whisky to go with their lunch. Some of these men eventually went on to become the distillery’s craftsmen. In time, these men came to be known as ‘The Men of Tain‘.

Scotland’s Tallest Stills

Behind every good company lies a good team (The Men of Tain), and for a good team to succeed they need good tools and materials to work with. Clearly, Glenmorangie understood this as they pride themselves on owning the tallest stills in all of Scotland.

Standing 8 metres high with long copper necks rising up to 5.14 metres, this excess in length allows for the lightest and purest vapours to come out the top which results in extremely smooth whisky.

The distillery first started out with a pair of stills but eventually increased with the addition of two more in 1976 – which doubled altogether in 1990. Fast forward to 2009, and four more stills were added alongside a larger mash tun and extra washbacks.

Continuing the topic of new additions, Glenmorangie announced back in January 2018 that they were building a new still house for more experimental blends which would house two more of their signature colossal stills, a new mash tun and more washbacks.

Twice-Used Casks & Extra Maturation

At this point into the article, you’re probably aware that Glenmorangie does things a little differently (with good cause). Another process unique to the distillery is how they only use their casks twice to mature whisky.

This process allows them to deliver the maximum amount of flavour during maturation resulting in a rounder, smoother taste. Moreover, certain expressions of Glenmorangie are matured for an extra number of years in different types of casks for an exquisite finish.

Glenmorangie Original

The original expression and real backbone of the Glenmorangie range, this ten-year-old single malt is produced by marrying the delicate spirit that emerges from Scotland’s tallest stills, with first and second fill American white oak casks.

After maturing for ten long years in various ex-bourbon casks, the spirit develops into a perfect balance of sweetness and complexity. In summary, this is a soft, mellow and creamy spirit, perfect for any occasion.

• Nose: Citrus, ripening peaches, vanilla.
• Palate: Vanilla, floral fruitiness.
• Finish: Clean and salving aftertaste, hints of orange and peach.

Glenmorangie The Lasanta

Remember how I mentioned that Glenmorangie practices extra maturation? They made an entire line of these expressions and The Lasanta has got to be one of their finest. Fittingly enough, the word ‘Lasanta’ is Gaelic for warmth and passion.

First aged in American white oak casks for 10 years, the liquor is then transported and matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks giving it a rich raisin intensity with hints of toffee and spices to blend with the smoothness obtained from the American oak.

• Nose: Warm spices, chocolate covered raisins, honeycomb, caramel toffee.
• Palate: Deliciously sweet sherry flavoured sultanas, orange segments, walnuts, butterscotch, warm spices.
• Finish: Long and satisfying finish, spiced orange, chocolate covered hazelnuts.

Glenmorangie Allta Private Edition

In conjunction with the tenth anniversary of Glenmorangie’s acclaimed Private Edition series, Glenmorangie Allta was released through an idea from Dr Bill Lumsden (Glenmorangie’s long-time whisky maker) which eventually came to fruition.

Rich, fruity, creamy and aromatic can be used to describe this exquisite single malt. The whisky is aged in bourbon barrels, specifically in a variety of second-fill casks to bring out the spirit’s fruity character.

• Nose: Rounded, biscuity, gentle floral notes of carnations and Parma violets, baking bread, very gentle vanilla, soft raisins, sweet mandarin orange.
• Palate: Crisp citrus, butter candy, creamy vanilla, orange syrup, gentle mint, the tiniest hint of sweet chilli, delicate floral notes.
• Finish: Long, earthy, hints of bittersweet orange and peppermint.

Glenmorangie Signet

The Glenmorangie Signet is truly an expression meant for those seeking something completely unique. Undoubtedly the richest whisky in Glenmorangie’s range, The Signet is made from a blend of their oldest whisky matured in a selection of the world’s finest casks.

Shrouded in secrecy, only a select few know how The Signet is produced in its entirety. This non chill-filtered spirit will blow your tastebuds away with a melting sweetness and explosive spiciness.

• Nose: Strong Aruba espresso, plum pudding, rich sherry, candied orange peel.
• Palate: A contrast of rich sweetness with an explosive crackle of sizzling spices and bitter mocha.
• Finish: Fresh spring-like breeze of mint, citrus.

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