There are many mysteries that surround the making of malt whisky, but all distillers acknowledge the quintessential importance of the effect of maturation in oak casks on the quality of the final spirit. Recognised as pioneer in cask management, Glenmorangie brought forth in 2008 a much-coveted whisky, Glenmorangie Astar (Scots Gaelic for “journey”), in which the delicate floral spirit of Glenmorangie meets entirely bespoke casks hewn from oak trees from the Ozark mountains of Missouri.
A RATHER UNUSUAL “JOURNEY”
It begins with a careful selection of slow-growth oak trees from the Ozark mountains of Missouri chosen for their porous structure. To exact designs, staves are hewn from these vast oaks. Left to season in the open air for at least two years, the wood begins to breathe and soften. Even at this stage, it gains the first elements of flavour that will shine in the final whisky – notably tones of vanilla and crème brulée.
FROM AMERICA TO TAIN
The staves are then coopered into oak casks and gently toasted to contribute further flavours of almond and coconut. These casks are then filled with bourbon and set aside to mature for four years, to smooth away any rawness. Finally, they are emptied and shipped to our Distillery in Tain. Filled with our renowned, delicate and complex spirit, they begin a long, slow maturation
JOURNEY’S END
So from the mountains of Missouri to the Highlands of Scotland, our part of this story ends with a whisky that is delivered at 52.5% ABV for the perfect balance of complexity and depth. Non chill-filtered for extra texture, it offers a lovely deep, rich, silky creaminess – a dram ‘designed’ for malt whisky lovers, so that they can then embark upon their own pleasurable sensory journey.
First released in 2008, the single malt’s long-awaited return as a 2017 limited edition brings forth a newfound richness and complexity to its silken depths
