Glenmorangie has unveiled the latest addition to its Grand Vintage Malt collection, Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1998. The 23-year-old single malt Scotch whisky follows last year’s 1997 edition.
Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1998 showcases some of the first Glenmorangie ever aged in new charred oak, thanks to one of Dr. Bill Lumsden’s earliest experiments. He was appointed Director of Whisky Creation the year this vintage was distilled.
New charred oak had never previously been used at the Distillery. Dreaming of the flavors it might bring, Lumsden first earmarked a few casks tailor-made to enrich Glenmorangie’s fruity spirit. By heavily charring the virgin wood of these bespoke casks for the first time, he hoped to create a striking style of single malt, intense in color and spice. He used most of the casks to wood-finish whisky, balancing their spiciness with Glenmorangie’s complex fruits. But Lumsden also filled a few with new-make spirit. Aged for 23 years, the spirit transformed into a whisky surging with vanilla, chocolate orange, ginger and sweet chili.
Delighted by his experiment, Lumsden envisaged how he might complement Glenmorangie’s delicacy with that whisky’s toasty, buttery power. He married its oaky notes with soft, fruity whisky aged in first-fill bourbon casks, and a subtly sweet whisky finished in Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a single malt wonderfully balancing ripe fruit and orange chocolate notes, sugared almonds and spice.
“New in post in 1998, I had all sorts of ideas for new and delicious whiskies,” commented Lumsden. “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.”
Bottled at 43% ABV, Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1998 is priced at $900. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Last September, Glenmorangie opened the doors to its ground-breaking innovation distillery, the Lighthouse.
