A New Original Glenmorangie

The regular expressions created by the big names in Scotch distilling rarely change. There might be differences in packaging over the years, but the liquid is as consistent as possible with most brands starting their age statement ranges with a 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

One brand has bucked this trend to create a whisky they feel is an improvement on their existing lowest age statement, and that brand is Glenmorangie. The Glenmorangie Original was a 10 year old whisky, and over the years, Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks has tried to improve it. How to improve on perfection was always the conundrum.  

Incredibly, over the last year, Dr Bill has managed to do just that, and he’s done so not by improving the 10 year old, but by creating a 12 year old. Now this might seem an obvious move, however, when they had such a great expression of Glenmorangie in the 10 year old, the 12 year old would need to reflect its predecessor’s character and increase in quality. There are plenty of The Original drinkers who would be very upset if their favourite flavours in a whisky were taken from them.

The new Original 12 year old has all the elements of the 10 year old, but with more. More richness and fruitiness, it is as if they have taken the 10 year old and turned the volume up past 10. To 12 shall we say?! There are heightened creamy notes, and the fruits are that little bit more intense. There are elements which were incredibly subtle in the 10 year old that now come through with more prominence. For example, there are some delicate spicy notes which develop on the palate that were not there before.

There are also subtle changes to the packaging. A slightly darker orange is used, and the swirls on the packaging have also been darkened, these small changes reflecting the difference in the liquid. But the biggest difference is the age statement. The price is almost the same with an increase of just £1, which for the improvements in flavour is an absolute bargain.

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £40

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Glenmorangie's New Release: Triple Cask Reserve Single Malt Whisky

Looking for a Scotch whisky that's as adventurous as you are? Then you’re in luck as Glenmorangie have just brought out a new exciting whisky, their Triple Cask Reserve.

We’ve been huge fans of Glenmorangie and the legendary master distiller Dr Bill Lumsden for many years now, and we always enjoy being surprised by their intriguing new whisky flavours and styles. Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve surprises again with the use of rye casks - something that is not often found in Scotch and more specifically Glenmorangie whisky production.

The result is stunning. Blending three unique cask types of bourbon, new charred oak and rye, it’s a rich and subtly spiced whisky. The bourbon cask ageing gives the whisky its classic Glenmorangie fruity smoothness - think notes of pear, candied orange peel and honeysuckle. The new charred oak casks bring fuller, richer notes which are balanced out by the subtle hints of spice coming from the rye whiskey casks for a well-rounded delight.

Trying it neat is a must but it also tastes great in a Manhattan or Gold Rush cocktail, or even just with ginger ale to complement those spicy notes.

We were lucky enough to spend some time at Glenmorangie in Season 1 of The Three Drinkers TV series, The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky which you can find on Amazon Prime. If you want to find out more about Glenmorangie’s unique stills which help craft their more delicate, fruity spirit, click here!
Size 70cl
ABV 40%
Find here £33

For more great Glenmorangie products, why not check out our One Drink, Three Ways cocktail special using Glenmorangie X?