In addition to Bill talking about Ardbeg, he also made a few comments about Glenmorangie when I was with him the other day. Here are some tidbits of information he gave me (largely based on your questions):
Glenmorangie Sonnalta (PX Sherry finish), currently in Travel Retail, is coming to the US in January. There will also be a new Sauternes Finish in 2010. The new Sauternes Glenmorangie will be a “beefed up” version of the existing one.
The prime age for Glenmorangie?: 10-12y/o. Generally speaking, according to Bill. I have a tendency to agree with him. I love Astar, and the 10 y/o, IMHO, is a benchmark whisky for that age.
Ardbeg bottlings will vary more than Glenmorangie because vatting sizes are smaller.
I asked Bill Lumsden what’s new for Glenmorangie. He hinted at “an older style” of Glenmorangie. I’m just guessing here but maybe it’s the front-end of production process? With the barley? Maybe a lightly peated Glenmorangie? The opposite of what Blasda was for Ardbeg?
Love the Nectar D’or, can’t wait to try this new Sauternes finish!! WIll it be available in the US or will this be a DF exclusive as well?
Yossi, I believe it will be available in the US, along with the Sonnalta. That’s the impression I got.
“The new Sauternes Glenmorangie will be a “beefed up” version of the existing one.”
Did he give you any details as towards what beefed up means? Stronger ABV for example? Thanks for the information so far John, this is good stuff for me to pass to my customers.
He didn’t elaborate, but I am going to guess it’s older and a higher ABV? Maybe just higher quality casks? We’ll see.
Thanks John. This wont replace the Nectar D’or, right? Just be sold along side it?
That’s correct Yossi.
At an April ’09 tasting in Denver I tried 20 sms whiskys (four retail for more than $500). Ardbeg Uigeadail came in Number 1 on my list that night, and Glenmorangie Astar was Number 2. Hope they don’t goof with either.
Thanks, John and Bill, for the update from both distilleries.