Glenmorangie Grand Vintage 1998

Product Info

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage 1998 takes you on a transatlantic journey, from the world of classic bourbon to the sherry bodega of Jerez, Spain, all the way through virgin new Chard oak. Richly imbued with vibrant fruit, smooth toffee, and ginger, its expressive elegance epitomizes Glenmorangie's elegant and experimental style. The year it was distilled was a time of renewed energy at the distillery. Dr. Bill Lumsden, who had just joined Glenmorangie a few years earlier and had taken over as head of all whisky creations, was brimming with ideas for even more delicious whiskies. Dr. Bill was particularly keen to explore the incredible potential newly charred oak barrels could offer Glenmorangie's smooth, fruity spirit, and he selected a bespoke selection of casks to enrich the distillery's single malts. By first charring the interiors of these virgin oak casks, he aimed to create a unique single malt with intense color and spice. He used most of the early casks for wood finishing, balancing the spices and complex fruit flavors. However, with a true creator's eye, he immediately filled some casks with new-make spirit, dreaming of the spectacular single malts to come. He matured these experimentally charred casks in the cool, quiet environment of a dirt-floor warehouse for over 20 years. Over time, the spirit transformed into a remarkably buttery whisky, with notes of vanilla, orange-tinged chocolate, ginger, and sweet chili. Dr Bill, deeply delighted by the spicy depth this unprecedented experiment had wrought, set about exploring how he could complement these rare flavors, weaving the delicacy of Glenmorangie with this toasty, buttery power. Beginning with the addition of smooth, fruity Glenmorangie aged in first-fill bourbon casks, he layers oaky notes, before adding a dash of Oloroso sherry cask-finished whisky for a delicate sweetness. Matured for 23 years, his creation explodes with ripe fruit and rich orange chocolate notes, gently threaded with candied almonds and spice. The stunningly vibrant Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1998 amplifies the distillery's signature elegance with a radiant spicy sheen.