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Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX (Pedro Ximinez) Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
Highlands,
SCOTLAND
$999. 00
Bottle
$11988.00 Dozen
ABV: 46%
Glenmorangie boasts the tallest stills in Scotland, producing a lighter, purer new make spirit that is highly adaptable, and some would argue more responsive to wood maturation in terms of the flavour it can impart. So with an already established reputation for experimental wood finishes to mature whisky, Glemorangie have announced that a new finish will be released every year as a part of their 'Private Collection' range. The first release for 2010 being the Sonnalta, the gaelic word for 'generous'.
This particular dram has been matured for ten years in American white oak casks and finished in ex-Pedro Ximinez sherry casks from Jerez, Spain for two years.
Other reviews... Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX (96.5)(n24.5) Now this works: has that heavy-handed feel of a sweet sherry butt (or five) at work here, usually the kiss of death for so many whiskies. But an adroit praline sub-plot really does the trick. So with the malt evident, too, we have a three-pronged attack which somehow meshes into one. And not even the merest hint of an off note...goodness gracious: a new experience...!!!
(t23.0) Neanderthal grape drags its knuckles along the big vanilla floor before a really subtle light Columbian coffee kick puts us back on course; sharper vanillas from some awkward oak threatens to take us off course again but somehow it find a settled, common ground;
(f25.0) Now goes into orgasmic overdrive as demerera sugar is tipped into some gorgeus, cream-lightened mocha. This is obviously to wash down the Melton Hunt cake which is resplendent in its grape and roast nut finery...phew!!! it is, unquestionably, the perfect whisky finish...
(b24)This one past by me. If they told me anything about this chap, i'd forgotten. It absolutely groans from the lucid sweet grape and i discover its actually Pedro Ximinez. Brave, foolhardy, even. Because over the last decade of studying whiskies matured in that sugary beast the experience had usually ended in tears. not here, though. This is a gamble that has handsomely paid off: Glenmorangie as you've never seen it before. Probably scotch malt as you've never seen it before. But after buting one bottle, you'll be wanting to see it again. A giant among the tall stills.
46.0% - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2011