Glenmorangie Finealta Private Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Finealta, pronounced ‘Finalta’, is Scottish Gaelic for ‘elegant’. It is a recreation of Glenmorangie based on a recipe dating back to 1903, recently uncovered in the distillery’s archives.

Glenmorangie's Bill Lumsden comments, “We followed the recipe meticulously, which included marrying whiskies of different ages and from different cask types. The final result is a whisky of such depth and distinction that we selected it as the second release in Glenmorangie’s exclusive Private Edition.” It features a light touch of peatiness, originating from an era when the Glenmorangie Distillery used to dry its malted barley in a peat-fired kiln.

Distillery archives show that during the early 1900s this Glenmorangie dram was served in the American Bar of The Savoy, one of London’s most prestigious hotels, during La Belle Époque and at the height of Art Nouveau, the first modern art movement of the 20th century. The packaging design for Glenmorangie Finealta is inspired by Art Nouveau, which had a style for incorporating elements from nature such as floral and plant motifs into artwork, architecture and home furnishings.

Tasting note: Bright gold appearance with a pale straw hue. A delicate and shy aroma initially yields salty / biscuity notes, intensifying with a short time in the glass as a sensual waft of lanolin-like peat emerges followed by suggestions of citrus peel. Surprisingly, ten minutes sees the peatiness dramatically retreat, as sweet malt takes centre stage. The palate offers tangy, semi sweet malt and grain flavours and a mild pettiness. Soft and silky with a delicately spicy underlay. Slightly oily mouthfeel. Juicy finish. Concludes light, dry and faintly peaty. Despite the change of style, this manages to retain much of the distillery's typical elegance. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Glenmorangie enters the world of peated whiskies (like everyone else these days it seems — not that I’m complaining). Richly textured layers of sweetness (vanilla, toffee, milk chocolate), fruit (tangerine, orchard fruit — especially ripe cherry), roasted nuts, wild morels, a hint of menthol, and gentle smoke. Certainly entertaining, even if the whisky doesn’t always seem to know what it wants to be. The soft sweetness mid-palate is balanced nicely by dried spice and smoke on the finish. Curiously enjoyable. 46% Alc./Vol. 88 points - John Hansell, whiskyadvocate.comsize>

"...Plump and thick, one of the creamiest malts around. For what it lacks in fine detail it makes up for in effect, especially the perky, oaky spices. 84.5 points.- Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2012