Glenmorangie unveils Grand Vintage Malt 1998
A new 23-year-old single malt is joining the Glenmorangie portfolio: Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1998.
The whisky comprises some of the first Glenmorangie stocks to be aged in new charred oak casks. Until this time, new charred oak had not been used by the whisky distillery. The whisky matured in the new charred oak casks has been married with liquid aged in first-fill Bourbon barrels, and a ‘subtly sweet’ whisky finished in oloroso Sherry casks. Bottled at 43% ABV, Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1988 will cost RRP US$900. Tasting notes include aromas of toffee, ripe pears, plums and baked apples, and gentle oak. The palate is said to be zesty with fruitiness, chocolate, raisins and figs. The finish brings sugared almonds, leather and dates. Dr Bill Lumsden, director of whisky creation, said: “New in post in 1998, I had all sorts of ideas for new and delicious whiskies. And one of my first experiments was with new charred oak casks. “At the heart of Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1998 is a parcel of that experimental whisky. Aged in those casks for 23 years, it gives the limited edition a wonderful spicy note and an amber glow. “With aromas of apples and plums, and tastes of orange chocolate and clove, this whisky brings a new dimension to Glenmorangie’s elegance.” In July, the Highland single malt brand revealed a ‘playful’ redesign of its core range. The new packaging was created to better reflect the flavours of each whisky. That same month, Ardbeg – owned by The Glenmorangie Company – revealed it had sold a cask that was filled in 1975 for £16 million (US$19.2m).
