Glenmorangie has unveiled A Tale of Spices, the sixth release in its award-winning ‘A Tale Of…’ series. The limited-edition single malt draws inspiration from the colours, aromas and flavours of the world’s great spice markets.
This release is notable not only for its theme, but also for its production. For the first time at Glenmorangie, whisky aged in ex-bourbon casks has been finished across four distinct cask types: Moroccan red wine, Pedro Ximénez sherry, new charred oak, and shaved, toasted red wine.
This release is notable not only for its theme, but also for its production…
Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation, has sought to recreate the atmosphere of spice markets – their vibrant hues, perfumed stalls and endless variety. That fled to experimentation with Moroccan red wine casks, which revealed a fragrant, spiced character quite unlike anything in Glenmorangie’s portfolio.
Building on that discovery, he and Master Blender Gillian Macdonald developed an unusual cask recipe that layered red wine notes with the sweetness of PX sherry, the warmth of charred oak, and the nuance of shaved, re-toasted barrels.
The result is a whisky intended to evoke the sensation of wandering through pyramids of saffron, nutmeg, ginger and rose petals.
Bottled at 46% ABV, official tasting notes report perfumed spice on the nose, with rose, carnation, jasmine and lilac, joined by cumin, saffron, nutmeg, ginger, chilli and anise.
On the palate expect a lively burst of ginger, black pepper and mustard, offset by sweet mint toffee, demerara sugar and sugared almond.
Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices is available from glenmorangie.com, the Distillery Visitor Centre in Tain, and The Whisky Exchange, priced at £76.
The Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
Just in time for Burns Night, Orkney-based Highland Park has announced a limited-edition cask strength single malt whisky. The new release, Cask Strength: Heather, is made using 100 per cent Orkney peat-smoked barley, with peat sourced responsibly from Hobbister Moor, just a few miles from the distillery. Given Orkney’s northern latitude, trees struggle to grow,…
January may feel long and grey, but one undoubted bright spot is Burns Night, the annual celebration held on January 25, marking the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. For whisky lovers, it’s one of the most convivial fixtures of the year: a night where poetry, food and Scotland’s greatest export meet in cheerful,…
Glenmorangie has unveiled A Tale of Spices, the sixth release in its award-winning ‘A Tale Of…’ series. The limited-edition single malt draws inspiration from the colours, aromas and flavours of the world’s great spice markets.
This release is notable not only for its theme, but also for its production. For the first time at Glenmorangie, whisky aged in ex-bourbon casks has been finished across four distinct cask types: Moroccan red wine, Pedro Ximénez sherry, new charred oak, and shaved, toasted red wine.
Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation, has sought to recreate the atmosphere of spice markets – their vibrant hues, perfumed stalls and endless variety. That fled to experimentation with Moroccan red wine casks, which revealed a fragrant, spiced character quite unlike anything in Glenmorangie’s portfolio.
Building on that discovery, he and Master Blender Gillian Macdonald developed an unusual cask recipe that layered red wine notes with the sweetness of PX sherry, the warmth of charred oak, and the nuance of shaved, re-toasted barrels.
The result is a whisky intended to evoke the sensation of wandering through pyramids of saffron, nutmeg, ginger and rose petals.
Bottled at 46% ABV, official tasting notes report perfumed spice on the nose, with rose, carnation, jasmine and lilac, joined by cumin, saffron, nutmeg, ginger, chilli and anise.
On the palate expect a lively burst of ginger, black pepper and mustard, offset by sweet mint toffee, demerara sugar and sugared almond.
Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices is available from glenmorangie.com, the Distillery Visitor Centre in Tain, and The Whisky Exchange, priced at £76.
Drink in 2026 with these Jamaican sherried rum, peated whisky, and high-strength bourbon exclusives
The Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
New Cask Strength Highland Park whisky puts Orkney heather front and centre
Just in time for Burns Night, Orkney-based Highland Park has announced a limited-edition cask strength single malt whisky. The new release, Cask Strength: Heather, is made using 100 per cent Orkney peat-smoked barley, with peat sourced responsibly from Hobbister Moor, just a few miles from the distillery. Given Orkney’s northern latitude, trees struggle to grow,…
Toasting the Bard: Where to eat, drink and celebrate Burns Night 2026
January may feel long and grey, but one undoubted bright spot is Burns Night, the annual celebration held on January 25, marking the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. For whisky lovers, it’s one of the most convivial fixtures of the year: a night where poetry, food and Scotland’s greatest export meet in cheerful,…
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