Highland

Glenmorangie Taghta

Glenmorangie The Taghta Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46% ABV
$120 to $130
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
Where whisky fans can help design the next Limited Edition whisky! Online voting to decide result!

Glenmorangie is proud to announce the launch of an innovative whisky programme, which will involve fans of Scotland’s favourite malt in the selection of a brand new limited edition whisky.

The programme, known as ‘Glenmorangie Cask Masters’, will run for 18 months and will involve consumers across the world in the development of a new limited edition of Glenmorangie, planned for release in late 2014.

Working with Dr. Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation at the Glenmorangie Company, consumers will be able to join him on a five stage journey where their opinions and votes will determine the outcome of the new whisky.

The winning dram will be chosen from three different ageing whiskies that are nearing the end of their maturation at Glenmorangie Distillery. During the 18 month programme consumers will be able to

  • Vote for their favourite of the three maturing whiskies:
  • Get involved in the naming of the new product
  • Decide what direction the packaging and design will take
  • Choose the photographic style that will bring the new expression to life
  • Get involved in the choice of location and win the chance to attend the global launch

At each stage participants will also be able to win prestigious prizes including a VIP visit to the Glenmorangie Distillery and a trip to the country of origin of the oak cask in which the winning whisky has been matured.

Dr. Lumsden has already revealed his selection of the 3 whiskies to a group of leading international whisky experts, who have all independently offered their initial views on his selection. Their taste notes are available on the Glenmorangie Cask Masters website to guide participants.

At the later stages of the programme design and photography experts will also offer their thoughts on the naming, packaging and launch suggestions received from Glenmorangie whisky fans.

Taghta is the exclusive result of Glenmorangie Csk Masters – a programme giving Glenmorangie fans the opportunity to shape a Limited Edition. The extra maturation in ex-Manzanilla casks gives Glenmorangie Taghta a rich, mellow taste of caramelised orange and lemon, some salty notes and hints of toasted oak.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Definitely get the sherry on the nose with a bit of honeysuckle and citrus zest. Underlying everything is a weird note that reminds me of saline contact lens rinse.
Palate: Raisin syrup, more citrus zest, and salted caramels.
Finish: A very oak forward finish but not in an over aged way. It really just lacks a counter balancing structure to offset the oak. It’s a mellow pleasant oak with a spicy back.
Comments: From the first pour this goes into the glass with oily smoothness. It foretells the smooth rich nature of the malt. At first taste it is almost cloying, very sweet-tooth-drinker oriented but that does a quick about face. Give it some time and it develops more of the background flavors. This is a very nice malt, especially in the age of over priced/under performing no age statement scotch. That said, I’m not sure I would buy a second bottle at $120 a pop. Maybe at $80. The only other thing (besides price) I’m not jazzed about is the whole “crowd sourcing” hullabaloo. It’s a bit hokey and over done. It reminds me a bit of Sazerac’s Single Oak Project which also just annoys me at this point.
Rating: Stands Out

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Old Pulteney 35 Year

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 35 Years
42.5% ABV
$740
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
The embodiment of our Distillery’s exceptional craftsmanship, this new expression is matured in American ex-bourbon and Spanish ex-sherry casks which have been expertly hand selected by our Distillery Manager, Malcolm Waring. The eye catching detail and design of the limited edition reflects our rich maritime heritage, which includes a stunning wooden box with porthole revealing the unique Old Pulteney bottle which carries the classic herring drifter, which has become a symbol of the brand.

Colour: Light amber

Nose: The initial wave of honey sweetness, exotic spices and citrus is followed by fruit cake and bitter chocolate. Over time gentle undertones open up with hints of fresh vanilla and sticky toffee pudding. A truly indulgent whisky on the nose enriched and fabulously balanced by the long maturation.

Palate: Full bodied and bursting with attitude. This exceptional dram is sweet and spicy and quickly develops a range of signature Old Pulteney flavours from honey, rum soaked raisins and Californian oranges to the heavier notes of seasoned leather, pralines and a touch of the salty North Sea air. A slow long finish with gentle waves of dried fruit and silky tannins.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Lovely “old scotch” nose of rich oiled leather, fine pipe tobacco, cinnamon candies, and dried apricots.
Palate: Viscous but not chewy. Candied nuts, baking spices, and salted caramels. It’s a bit odd on the palate because it doesn’t stick around. It hits and then is gone. It’s a short palate even when left in the mouth for a bit.
Finish: Licorice, cigar tobacco, a light saltiness, and a little wood but less than expected. The finish is relatively short too.
Comments: This is an exceptionally delicious dram. I don’t often get the chance to drink 35 year old scotch but the taste for it is acquired with dangerous speed. The Old Pulteney DNA gets a little muddled after so many years but hints of the sea air are transformed into salted caramels on the palate and a dusting of salt on the finish. Really, my only complaint is the brevity of the palate and finish on this terrific dram. It’s too rare and expensive to keep downing drams to hold onto the flavor. I wish it lingered a bit more.
Rating: Must Try

We would like to thank The Thomas Collective and International Beverage for sending us a sample for review.

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Old Pulteney Clipper

Old Pulteney Clipper Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46% ABV
$50
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
The Limited Edition Old Pulteney Clipper Commemorative bottle launched in July 2014. Only 2,700 cases of 6 available world-wide. Matured in ex bourbon and ex sherry casks.

Colour: Polished gold
Nose: Sweetness of dried fruits and crispiness of green apples is accompanied by notes of fresh vanilla and white chocolate.
Palate: Waves of honey and orange zest, a rounded oaky structure and an unmistakable coastal note which sets Old Pulteney apart. Smooth and long-lasting.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Meaty with a wisp of sea air. Deeper exploration brings up oatmeal crisp cookies and citrus zest.
Palate: More cinnamon oatmeal cookies eaten by the shore while the salty sea air washed over you. It’s a nice rich flavor in the mouth.
Finish: A lovely note of brown sugar cookies fading to slow oak and intense malty and salty notes.
Comments: I’ve been a bit dubious on not age statement (NAS) single malts lately. My forthcoming Dark Origins review will not be kind. But this isn’t bad at all. It’s a nice malt that ventures out a little but doesn’t lose a solid core. The cookie notes are very nice but it tends to be overly malty and salty. I don’t think I would buy a bottle but it’s worth a try in bar.
Rating: Average

We would like to thank The Thomas Collective and International Beverage for sending us a sample for review.

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an Cnoc 22 Year

an Cnoc 22 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46% ABV
$ 159
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
Matured predominately in American oak, ex-bourbon casks as well as Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts, anCnoc 22 Years Old displays complexity and a wealth of character but its long lasting rich, smoky finish sets this dram apart from the younger offerings.

Colour: Bright gold with a copper tint.

Nose: Sweet and spicy with notes of honey and toffee. Warm Christmas cake is accentuated by the freshness of lemons, green apples and cut flowers. All wrapped in a delicate whiff of wood smoke.

Taste: Full bodied and complex. Distinct crushed clove, raisin and blood orange flavours are at the front, closely followed by layers of fragrant vanilla and leather. The long, rich finish is smoky and spicy.

What Richard Says:
Nose: A slight meaty sherried note. A bit of crisp citrus drizzled with honey.
Palate: Very nice round body with a sherry accent but not too much. It reminds me of my own homemade scones: raisins, allspice, cinnamon and ginger.
Finish: Aggressive at 46% but not hot. Cocoa powder and dried fruits with a nice oak base.
Comments: Delicious. The mix of sherry and exbourbon wood make for a balanced sherry influence without being in your face about it. The whole whiskey from nose to finish shows great depth and balance.
Rating: Stands Out

We would like to thank The Thomas Collective and International Beverage for sending us a sample for review.

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Balblair 1989

Balblair 1989 Vintage Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
2nd Release

43% ABV
$130
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
Balblair Vintage 1989 2nd release was introduced in 2010. A full-bodied malt with aromas of raisin, green apple and hints of banana and lemon.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Balblair 1989 is mid-amber in appearance with honey-gold highlights.

Aroma: The American oak barrels, used in the distillate’s maturation, lend a warm toffee, vanilla fragrance.

Palate: On the palate there are raisins and fruits with a rich spiciness.

Finish: Long, complex and smooth finish.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Lovely nose of bright floral notes, bananas, and canned apple pie filling.
Palate: Fruity sweet with the intensity of dried fruit and raisins.
Finish: A little black pepper on the way down. There’s an odd rubber/medicinal note mid finish and then it smooths out into mellow oak.
Comments: A very nice middle aged expression of Balblair. This one is for those whisky drinkers with a sweet tooth. The finish is a little off putting but then just keep drinking so that it stays on the palate and problem solved!
Rating: Stands Out

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