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Glenmorangie Bacalta Edition Whisky Finished in Ex-Madeira Casks

Glenmorangie BacaltaIt’s midwinter, and as has been the case for the last several years, word is starting to get around about the annual Glenmorangie Private Edition Scotch release. Recent expressions have included ones finished in ex-French wine and Portuguese red wine casks, as well as one made from a distinctive variety of barley. 2017 continues the trend with Glenmorangie Bacalata, finished in ex-Malmsey Madeira casks.

Glenmorangie Bacalata, as the story goes from the distillery, first got its inspiration more than 20 years ago when they released the world’s first whisky extra-matured in Madeira casks. For this bottling, they went a step further. According to a statement, Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks,

arranged for bespoke American oak casks to be created and heavily toasted. The casks were then seasoned to his exacting specifications by Malmsey wine – the sweetest and most prized of the Madeira wines – and baked to maturity within as the casks lay in the heat of Madeira’s sun. [They were then] emptied, shipped to Scotland and filled with specially selected spirit already matured in ex-bourbon barrels.

The resulting whisky, bottled at 46% ABV, is non-age statement and said to have “complex layers of sweetness” because of the Malmsey finish. Bacalata is available starting this month for around £79, or about $100 USD.

“For years I had longed to create the best Madeira-finished whisky possible,” said Lumsden in a prepared statement. “Realising that ambition took time and dedication, as every step of extra-maturation was tailored exactly to our specifications – rather like haute couture.”

“Connoisseurs will recognise the radiating warmth of our bespoke sun-baked casks in Glenmorangie Bacalta’s aromas of ripe apricots, white chocolate and mineral notes.  There are complex tastes of mint toffee, baked fruits, honeycomb, almonds and dates, mingling with marzipan, white pepper and melon – and a rich, syrupy finish.  Glenmorangie Bacalta is a burst of sunshine in a glass.”

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