Glenmorangie Barrel Select Release Palo Cortado Cask Finish 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The Barrel Select series offers special cask maturations that reflect Glenmorangie's penchant for experimentation. This is the first time that the distillery has finished a whisky in Palo Cortado casks. Considered the rarest variety of sherry, it's created purely by chance, resulting in a complex style that's a cross between fino and Oloroso. It begins its life under flor, aging without the presence of oxygen, then mysteriously the flor dies off, leaving the whisky to age oxidatively like an Oloroso. Head of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden sourced a handful of barrels which are reported to be very hard to come by. After eight years of pre-maturation in ex-bourbon wood, the sherry's four year contribution brings sweet and nutty aromas and flavours, with hints of dark plum, milk-chocolate, Brazil nuts and sweet spice. The result is a welcome alternative to Glenmorangie's core sherry-matured label, 'Lasanta'. 46% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the producers... NOSE: Rich, elegant and rounded. Toffee, fudge and vanilla sweetness entwine with mossy notes and mulled wine hints. Then come scents of honeyed ginger and milk-chocolate truffle dusted with cinnamon. A splash of water reveals notes of orange sherbet, carnations and Brazil nuts. TASTE: An oily yet peppery texture leads to a burst of rich, sweet flavours. Treacle toffee and milk chocolate are threaded with notes of clove, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. Meanwhile, fruity undertones of raisins, dark plums and bitter orange find delectable balance with baking ryebread and salted nuts.