Glenmorangie has revealed the Altus, a 25-year-old single malt whisky which will join the 12- and 18-year-old expressions in the brand's permanent core range.
Among the casks used for the Altus are Glenmorangie's "designer" casks, which have been made from specially selected American oaks and toasted and charred to master distiller Dr Bill Lumsden's specifications to "enhance the whisky's creamy depths". The whisky from these casks has been married with spirit finished in Malmsey Madeira casks, as a homage to Glenmorangie's "pioneering" Madeira-finished whisky first released in 1995.
The distillery says the new whisky, bottled at 43% ABV, has aromas of carnation, orange blossom, and honey, with flavours including mandarin, apples, marzipan, and banana on the palate.
An early taster of the new 25-year-old was Hollywood actor and star of Glenmorangie's Once Upon a Time in Scotland campaign Harrison Ford. In episode 10 of 12 in the series, Ford is handed a mystery sample of "something very special" to taste by senior tour guide Emily Ross. "Nice," Ford proclaims in the video after tasting it, with his signature brevity.
One of the episode's highlights includes Ford holding his glass aloft, toasting: “Here’s to your creation. To the good people of Glenmorang-y. Cheers.” The tension is then broken as distillery worker Alan Duff Junior gently corrects Ford’s pronunciation: “It's Glenmorangie.”
Commenting on the release, Dr Lumsden explained: “The Altus’s 25-year journey is a true celebration of Glenmorangie’s acclaimed house style — presenting it at a new pinnacle of flavour. We were delighted that Harrison Ford became one of the first to taste the whisky in Once Upon A Time in Scotland — and are very glad it met with his approval!"
Glenmorangie was recently announced as the official whisky of Formula 1, which was also announced in a video starring Ford.
The release will be initially available in specialist retailers, the Distillery Visitor Centre in Tain, and at Glenmorangie's website, at an RRP of £550.
