Glenmorangie 1997

When this whisky reached ten years in ex-bourbon barrels, a portion was transferred into the red wine barriques of “a leading St. Estephe estate that must remain unnamed for contractual reasons” - you might know it for the rose-coloured heather after which it is named. It was then blended back in with the 23-year-old ex-bourbon. This is an expressive, heady mix of sweet wood spice and citrus. The influence of the red wine cask is subtly alluded to with a hint of red fruit on the palate. The underlying spirit is fragrant, with delightful bursts of orange peel and floral notes. However, the key to this dram is the layers of vanilla, cedar, and milk chocolate from extended periods in wood. It is incredibly persistent with an exceptionally long finish, dancing on the tongue for long after the last sip!Berry Bros. & Rudd