Glenmorangie debuts 16 and 21YO whiskies
Scotch brand Glenmorangie has bolstered its travel retail lineup with two new whiskies: Vindima and Aureum.
Developed by the brand’s director of whisky creation Dr Bill Lumsden and master blender Gillian Macdonald, the new global travel retail exclusive whiskies include a 16-year-old and a 21-year-old single malt. Named Vindima, the 16-year-old marries whisky aged in Bourbon casks and whisky finished in Malmsey casks, which are the sweetest style of Madeira grapes. Vindima is named after the grape harvest festival on the island of Madeira. The bottle's deep purple-toned packaging is inspired by the grapes’ colour after they ripen. The whisky has aromas of ‘baked peaches and oranges’, while ‘orange peel, sultanas and milk-chocolate truffles’ appear on the palate. The finish is described as ‘long with some vinous grapey notes, reminiscent of the Malmsey Madeira casks’. The 21-year-old is called Aureum, which is the Latin word for gold. The whisky has a ‘honey gold’ colour. The brand says the softening the spirit experiences during the ageing process in Bourbon casks ‘evokes the warmth and luminosity of a mid-summer’s day’. It is presented in an orange gift box with radiant technicolour line work reflective of the sun. Its profile sees ‘heather honey, pear, melon, lemon sherbet and jasmine’ on the nose, with a ‘buttery smooth mouthfeel of sweet vanilla, ripe peaches, honeycomb and mint toffee’ on the palate. Drinkers may find the finish ‘gentle’ with hints of ‘ginger, sweet chilli and almond marzipan’. Macdonald said: “We know that global travellers and whisky lovers are always looking for delicious new discoveries, and these travel retail exclusives are sure to expand their flavour horizons. “With rich notes of candied fruits and a sizzle of chilli and clove, Glenmorangie Vindima is a sensory celebration of Madeira’s grape harvest. And when it comes to Glenmorangie Aureum, its smooth and vibrant flavours of pear, jasmine and honey deliciously capture the sun-drenched tones of a summer’s day. “With our growing range, we hope to bring even more joy to whisky lovers as they journey through airports around the world.” Aureum is now available at Glenmorangie’s Heathrow boutique for RRP €250 (£215/US$273) with a worldwide travel retail release in September. Vindima retails for €105 (£90/US$114) at airports across the globe. Both whiskies have an ABV of 43%. Leonardo Ferracina, managing director for global travel retail at Moët Hennessy, which owns Glenmorangie, added: “These two new expressions will not only elevate our portfolio, but also drive excitement among global travellers. These whiskies epitomise our dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.” The distillery recently launched Pommard Cask Finish, a 25-year-old single malt, with just 1,000 bottles released exclusively for travel retail. The brand has also added the reimagined Glenmorangie Original to its airport range, as well as the Glenmorangie Infinita and Glenmorangie Signet Reserve.
