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

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

A complementary and most welcome addition to the Private Edition Range.

A shift away from the recent wave of exotic cask finishings, Glenmorangie's sixth Private Edition pays homage to a well renowned UK barley varietal that was almost lost to the world, Maris Otter.

First commercially harvested in 1966 by crossing two common varieties at the time; 'Proctor' and 'Pioneer'.  Marris Otter initially became dominant in the UK craft brewing industry due to its low nitrogen content and unique flavour profile.  In the 1970's it fell out of favour due to changing tastes, and more efficient / higher yielding barley varieties emerging.

By the late 1980s, uncertified seed and cross-pollination had put Maris Otter at risk of extinction, which alarmed many of those on who relied on its unique flavour to produce cask-conditioned ales.   In response to these concerns, two English seed merchants (H Banham Ltd in Norfolk and Robin Appel Ltd), formed a partnership to rejuvenate the variety in 1992.

 “We battled through the 1990s" says Appel “We had an annual meeting with the maltsters to decide if there was a future. … People would get up and say, ‘Robin, you’ve done very well, you’ve kept it alive for another six or seven years, but I don’t think it’s going to last."

Much to the relief of the cause, a progressive beer duty was imposed in the UK in 2002 which offered tax breaks to smaller breweries, resulting its renaissance. “That was a big boost; suddenly breweries were opening up all over the country.”  Many were already well aware of the virtues the variety offered.

Glenmorangie's Tusail (Gaelic for 'original') is produced from traditionally floor malted Maris Otter barley and matured in ex-bourbon casks for an undisclosed period of time. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chillfiltered.  

Tasting note: Brilliant gold. Great legs. Outstanding purity to the aroma with soft, enticing scents of fruit pastry, vanilla wafer, oatmeal biscuit and creamy malt. Several minutes exposure adds hints of orange zest. Classic, light and easy Glenmorangie entry. Mid palate features delicate malt and soft sweet spices. Really builds towards the finish becoming more peppery, oily and textural with flavours of sponge cake, short bread and kit-kat followed by blood orange chocolate late in the aftertaste. Goes longer than first impressions suggest. Elegant and complex. 46% Alc./Vol.