I have enjoyed all the regular lineup that I have tried from Glenmorangie’s line, especially the Nectar D’or, so when I was in the mood to step up and try something different the Finealta cought my eye , as it seemed to be a new direction for this distillery. From the Glenmorangie website:

Glenmorangie Finealta is a painstaking recreation of a recipe dating back to 1903. Matured in a combination of American white oak casks and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks this whisky is unusual for its light touch of peatiness – a reminder of a time when Glenmorangie dried its barley in a peat fired kiln.

Aroma

Caramelised orange and peaches soaked in liqueur are instantly revealed before giving way to sugared almonds, raisins, lime and a hint of distant woodsmoke.

Taste

Mandarin, marmalade and hints of cherry brandy combine with the spiciness of nutmeg and ginger before icing sugar, chewy meringue and violet build up slowly on the palate.

Finish

Full, rounded aromatic smoke with chalky minerals lingers on top of subtle layers of powdery floral scents.

Now let’s see what this beauty has to offer.

Glenmorangie Finealta (Private Edition)

750ml 46% ABV

Nose: Definitely that same Glenmorangie profile of malty citrus & honey, but with some actual peat and sugared wood smoke.

Palate: Spices, more citrus, some vanilla and bourbon oak, then a nice wave of salty peat, roasted chestnuts and sweet smoke.

Finish: Hotter than any other Glenmorangie I’ve had but very good. Some of the peat phenols stay and dissipate into more salty oak and some flowers and honey.

Verdict: This is quite a good dram, probably my favorite Glenmorangie I’ve had unless I’m in the mood for the real sweet Nectar D’or. Well done for a departure from their typical line. Glad to have a bottle as it finally starts to get a little bit wintry in the desert.