Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve is a Scotch single malt whisky from the Highlands, matured in three types of cask, including casks that previously held American rye whiskey – a rarity in the industry. This is a no-age-statement release, bottled at 40%.
The whisky is produced at the Glenmorangie distillery in the town of Tain in the northern Highlands, renowned for having the tallest stills in Scotland. The distillery was founded in 1843 by William Matheson and was originally named Morangie, adopting the name Glenmorangie in 1887. Its stills are the tallest in Scotland – standing over five metres high. Triple Cask Reserve, created by Master Blender Gillian Macdonald, is the entry point to the distillery's refreshed core range.
The make-up of this whisky rests on the interplay of three cask types. Fruity smoothness comes from whisky matured in ex-bourbon casks, fuller and richer notes are contributed by new charred oak casks, while the drier, spicy accents of clove, nutmeg and cinnamon come from single malt fully matured in ex-rye whiskey casks. This combination of ex-bourbon and new charred oak casks with ex-rye casks – seldom used in the Scotch whisky industry – yields notes of pear, candied orange, honeysuckle and clove.
On the nose, fruit and gentle spice lead the way. The aroma is tropical, combining pear, vanilla, candied orange peel, honeysuckle, grapefruit and pear drops, while delicate spices – cinnamon, clove and nutmeg – give way to sweetness in the direction of maple syrup and crème brûlée. On the palate the texture is creamy and slightly oily, with crème brûlée, cherry chocolate, fudge, tart orange sorbet, clove, sweet chilli and ripe tropical fruit, followed by the influence of the oak – maple syrup, marzipan and subtle spice. The finish is rich, sweet and spicy.
The contribution of the rye casks is noticeable here. The palate reveals an almost refreshing peppermint-like accent – possibly a trace of the rye casks – alongside marzipan and a gentle tingle of pepper, while the texture is quite oily, with a deeper and richer profile than the nose would suggest. The producer notes that Glenmorangie Triple Cask Reserve can be served neat, on the rocks or in cocktails.