Glenmorangie and secret indie sparring partner


June 25, 2024

WF's Little Duos, today Glenmo-rangie and secret indie sparring partner

Or the other way 'round. So no Westport today! I think we'll start with the independent one...

(Print ad, circa 2002. If finishings mean Peace on Earth, may we have more finishings please?)

Secret Highland 36 yo 1987/2023 (49.8%, Maltbarn, The 26, sherry cask)

Let's be candid, the exact identity remains a bit of a riddle, though it's widely acknowledged that several of these 'Secret Highlands' from the 1987 vintage were indeed Glenmorangie. Nonetheless, we shall exercise caution and officially state that the origin of this malt whisky is a "secret." Yes, indeed, a secret... Aside from that, the '26' series was named as such by the owners of Maltbarn because it's their favourite number. A less silly reason than what we sometimes see elsewhere, isn't it? Oh, and there will be 26 expressions within this series. Colour: Gold. Nose: Classic aromas of shortbread and fresh brioche, intertwined with hints of crème anglaise. There are delicate notes of green tea, Wulong, and a touch of sourdough, complemented by nuances of white chocolate, rooibos, and chamomile. True to the character of these very narrow pot stills, reputed to be the tallest in Scotland. In short, a very charming old malt. Mouth: A generous dose of honey and nougat greets the palate, followed by breakfast tea, a variety of herbal infusions, and a hint of butterscotch. There are also notes of slightly sweet bread, reminiscent of those found in North Africa. Finish: Medium length, with pleasant fruitiness, honey, a touch of marmalade, and a few tea tannins. A trace of marzipan lingers in the aftertaste. Comments: Very lovely, though less fruity than, for instance, the official 1987 releases, which were offered at a much younger age.
SGP:551 - 88 points.

Glenmorangie 25 yo 'Quarter Century' (43%, OB, +/-2014)

Pleased to come across this superb 25-year-old which was offered between 2009 and 2015, if I remember correctly. It's always challenging to know exactly the different releases, how many there were, if it was the same vatting released in batches, etc. Colour: Gold. Nose: Certainly displays quite notable similarities. But it's gentler, more honeyed, leaning towards yellow flowers like dandelion, with a hint of subtle tobacco. There are also very ripe apricots, mirabelle plums, and quince, followed by a touch of old Meursault. However, I doubt they finished it in Meursault casks back in the day. A very elegant nose... Mouth: Smooth, very fruity, and jammy. The Meursault influence is present, along with a hint of Sauternes, reminding us that Glenmorangie did indeed use Sauternes cask finishes. Think Jaffa cakes, honey... Essentially, everything one would expect. Finish: Not short, despite the low alcohol strength. Comments: It has likely been said before that it's a pity to offer such a lovely dram at only 43% ABV, especially since Glenmorangie is not a very big distillate. Nonetheless, it remains delightful and exceedingly refined.
SGP: 641 - 90 points.

Check the index of all Glenmorangie we've tasted so far