Highland distillery Glenmorangie has announced the latest addition to its 'A Tale of...' series. The series comprises flavour experiments by the distillery; previous iterations have seen the brand take inspiration from ice cream, Tokyo, cake, and the forest.

The latest release is A Tale of Spices, which the brand says is inspired by the flavours and colours of spice markets.

To create a flavour profile reflective of the many scents of a spice market, Glenmorangie whisky makers Dr Bill Lumsden and Gillian Macdonald finished the whisky in four different cask types. Bourbon-matured Glenmorangie spirt was finished in Moroccan red wine casks made from French oak, the first time the distillery has used this cask type. Also used were new charred oak, shaved and toasted red wine casks, and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.

Glenmorangie says that the combination of casks has created a "perfumed, sweet, and spicy" flavour profile, with spices including cumin, saffron, and nutmeg, florals of rose and jasmine, and a eucalyptus note. 

Lumsden said: “I have always loved the variety of colours and aromas I’ve found in spice markets around the globe. Some years ago, master blender Gillian Macdonald and I experimented with Moroccan red wine casks for the first time and became captivated by the fragrant, spiced notes that they imparted to our whisky.

“From there, we created an unusual cask recipe of new charred oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and shaved, toasted red wine casks to create a mosaic of flavours. Each sip of this limited edition is like immersing yourself in the sensory delights of a spice market — with new flavours and aromas at every turn.”

Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices (46% ABV, RRP £76) is available via glenmorangie.com, at the Distillery Visitor Centre in Tain, and in selected retailers.