Glenmorangie 18 Year Old is a Highland single malt from the Tain distillery, sold for years under the name Extremely Rare. Most of it stays in bourbon casks throughout, while about a third spends its last three years in Oloroso sherry casks.
About This Whisky
All of the spirit spends its first 15 years in American oak ex-bourbon casks. At that point roughly 30% is moved into Oloroso sherry casks for three more years, while the rest stays in bourbon wood. The two parts are then married and bottled at 43% ABV. The sherry share adds dried fruit and nuttiness without hiding the house style.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Orange zest, cinnamon and honey, with stewed fruit and a note of caramel custard.
- Palate: Creamy and tropical: nectarine, acacia honey, peaches and butterscotch, framed by light walnut.
- Finish: Moderately long, with grilled grapefruit, dark sugar and toasted oak.
Serving & Food
Lightly chilled or at room temperature, in a tulip glass. One drop of water brings out the fruit. It works well with scallops in brown butter, a creamy pannacotta, or cheese such as a mild Brie.
How to Enjoy
A thoughtful gift, or a step up for anyone who already enjoys Glenmorangie Original and wants more age and depth.
Product Details
Distillery: Glenmorangie
Style: Single malt Scotch whisky
Age Statement: 18 years old
Cask: American oak ex-bourbon; about 30% finished for 3 years in Oloroso sherry casks
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Owner: Moët Hennessy (LVMH)
ABV: 43%
Volume: 700mL
About the Distillery
Glenmorangie was set up in 1843 by William Matheson on the site of a brewery at Tain, on the shore of the Dornoch Firth in Ross-shire. It has been part of LVMH's Moët Hennessy division since 2004, and its sister distillery is Ardbeg on Islay.
The distillery is best known for its stills, the tallest in Scotland at a little over five metres, which let only the lightest vapours reach the condensers and produce a delicate, fruity spirit. Water comes from the mineral-rich Tarlogie Springs. The distillery has long put its money into American white oak casks, which give the core range its vanilla and citrus signature.