Gleann Mor ‘A Rare Find’ North Highland 2007 (9 year old) 53.2%
Glenmorangie in Refill Port/ Dist: Sept 2007 Btl: Sept 2016/ Tasted: June 2017
Pungent aromas of burnt earth and scrub with a subtly leafy, herbal port note. Very natural and earthy, unlike the distillery release with a touch of dark chocolate, straw and macerated orange. With time the nose sweetens as a light syrup note appears.
The palate is full of supple, syrup coated red fruit with hints of earth and subtle dried fruit notes. Like the nose it has a lovely, natural feel and plenty of grippy, dark chocolate tannins and straw coming through on the middle, along with a subtle herbal character. Lovely intensity and length with a subtle barley and heathery note detectable amongst the porty fruit.
Gleann Mor ‘A Rare Find’ Secret Highland Malt, Port Finish 2004 (12 year old) 52%
Glenmorangie Cask 4231/ Dist: May 2004 Btl: 2016/ Tasted: Feb 2017
An earthy, balsamic and slightly butyric nose. A pleasant melange of mature-ish baked fruit and winey red fruits. Very natural and reminiscent of Ben Nevis with a straw-like demeanour and slight malty breadiness.
The palate opens with the earthy, lightly syrup coated winey fruit and old wood tannins. Again slightly earthy and balsamic. Very malty and full on the middle with a pleasant natural character. The finish is a little on the dry side as the alcohol and tannins combine, but the winey fruit and earth lingers well.
A drop of water brings out more malt, coffee and some subtle barley notes. The port fruit is a little sweeter and there is a light syrup note which gives it a softer feel, although the ‘natural’ character is still present. The palate is likewise softer, with more emphasis in the sweet port fruit. Longer and with more spice notes than tannin now with a light chocolate malt and coffee finish.
Now I know what the distillery is I’m quite surprised as I was thinking Ben Nevis as their port casks have that intensely ‘natural’ character and I find ‘morangie port has a more silky character. Interesting!
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 