Glenmorangie Private Edition 2012 Artein 15 Year Old (70cl, 46%) ***sold***
A Monumental Whisky, Born of Stone. While crafting Glenmorangie Artein Dr. Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie's Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation, was intrigued by the influence of stone in the natural ingredients of the whisky, especially considering the material's special significance to us. This relationship begins with the Hilton of Cadboll Stone, an ancient monument that is the whisky's inspiration. But of no less importance is the layer upon layer of limestone that filters our Tarlogie Spring water, giving Artein its fruity aromas and layers of complexity.
Or the rocky Tuscan hillsides which concentrate the flavours in vines that will, in turn, add complexity to the 'Super Tuscan' casks in which we extra mature our precious spirit. The result is a whisky with a richness and depth that echoes the extraordinary legacy of stone. Non chill-filtered.
Despite being owned by blenders, MacDonald & Muir, for most of the 20th century, Glenmorangie had an early focus on bottling its single malt. Some records show that its single malt was being sold as early as the late 19th century. This became the distillery's main output in 1959, and with the unique flavours derived from Scotland's tallest stills, Glenmorangie is now one of the world's biggest selling malts. As a result, the distillery portfolio over the years has been extensive, and little has been spared for independent bottlers. Pioneers of cask finishes, the distillery has never shied away from experimentation, and under the guiding hand of Maestro Dr Bill Lumsden they continue to release a variety of expressions to keep "The Sixteen Men of Tain" rushed off their feet.