Tuesday, January 30, 2018

GLENMORANGIE LAUNCHES ITS NINTH PRIVATE EDITION BOTTLING

The multi award winning Glenmorangie distillery, has today announced the launch of the ninth release in its Private Edition series.

Glenmorangie Spìos (46% ABV) is the first whisky from the Highland based distillery to be fully matured in American ex-rye whiskey casks.

Glenmorangie Spìos

Glenmorangie Spìos (Scots Gaelic for ‘spice’) is said to recall the glittering heyday of American rye, when production levels were at an all-time high, and when it was hugely popular and desirable.

Classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Sazerac all used rye as their base alcohol when they were first created, over time, the spirit fell from favour and slipped into obscurity, where it would remain for years to come.

When travelling in the US in the late 1990s, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, sought out some of the few remaining rye distilleries. During his trip he found the characteristics of cinnamon and clove so captivating, that he decided to experiment with American ex-rye whiskey casks.

To make Glenmorangie Spìos, Dr Bill sourced the first-fill casks from American whiskey’s heartland of Kentucky.  And long before the rye resurgence of today began, he arranged for these hand-selected oak casks to be shipped to the Glenmorangie Distillery.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “I have always loved American rye whiskey’s spicy character, and I believed our smooth house style would perfectly complement the nuances of ex-rye casks. The result is Glenmorangie Spìos – a full-bodied, savoury single malt which brings to mind American rye whiskey’s golden age. Its fresh, herbal nose hints at cherry, clove and scents of green grass. The rye’s spice bursts on to the palate, as toffee, clove and cinnamon mingle with buttery vanilla, before a sweet and lingering finish – a single malt whisky which is unmistakeably Glenmorangie, yet exquisitely different.”

Glenmorangie Spìos, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £79.00.

This latest release follows the news earlier this month, that Glenmoragie is planning a multi-million pound expansion of its distillery, to meet the increasing the demand for its single malt Scotch whisky.

Posted by Steve Rush