Glenmorangie The Nectar D'or 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Replacing the Wood Finish Range, the Glenmorangie Extra Matured Range is a selection of three single malt whiskies that, following an initial maturation of at least ten years in ex-bourbon casks, have been matured for an extra period (bringing the total time in cask to at least twelve years) in specially selected, extremely high quality, casks that previously held Port, Sherry or Sauternes wine. All are bottled at 46% ABV and non chill-filtered to enhance taste, mouthfeel and/or texture.

With a tremendous ‘gourmand’ appeal, The Nectar D’Òr is Glenmorangie’s delicious, complex base spirit that, after a minimum of 10 years in ex-bourbon casks, is then extra matured in specially hand selected Sauternes wine barriques. This makes it rich and sumptuous with a heady, luscious, beguiling spectrum of aromatic patisserie desserts that helps create a memorable occasion whenever it is enjoyed.

Tasting note: Pure, bright gold appearance. From a freshly opened bottle, first passings are very shy. This is one of those whiskies that really benefits from a good twenty minutes in the glass after which the aromas open and deepen. Aeration reveals the sweet malt, combined with honey and stone fruit scents with hints of cinnamon and clove. Entry is soft and off dry building slowly with excellent length. Spice and cedary oak give way to a luscious finish with the honeyed, biscuity malt finally superseded by dried stone fruits and cedary oak. Concludes clean and dry. The Sauternes impact really comes through on the finish and texture of this malt while it avoids falling in to the ‘too sweet’ trap. Nicely done. 46% Alc./vol.

Other reviews... An exercise in outrageously good sweet-dry balancing. 94.5 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2020