Glenmorangie has launched its sixth limited edition in the A Tale Of series, featuring the Highland distillery’s first whisky finished in four different cask types. Glenmorangie A Tale Of Spices draws inspiration from global spice markets and includes an experimental finish in Moroccan red wine casks.
Four-Cask Whisky Innovation Brings Spice Market Flavors
A Tale Of Spices combines bourbon-aged Glenmorangie with four distinct finishing casks to create a flavour profile that reflects the spice markets of Africa and the Middle East. The unusual combination includes Moroccan red wine casks made from French oak, new charred oak casks, shaved and toasted red wine casks, and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
Director of Whisky Creation Dr. Bill Lumsden and Master Blender Gillian Macdonald developed the expression after experimenting with Moroccan red wine casks for the first time. The medium-toasted French oak casks, high in tannins, contribute spice notes that complement Glenmorangie’s signature style.
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READ THE STORY“I have always loved the variety of colours and aromas I’ve found in spice markets around the globe,” said Dr. Lumsden. “Some years ago, Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and I experimented with Moroccan red wine casks for the first time and became captivated by the fragrant, spiced notes that they imparted to our whisky. From there, we created an unusual cask recipe of new charred oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and shaved, toasted red wine casks to create a mosaic of flavours.
“Each sip of this limited edition is like immersing yourself in the sensory delights of a spice market – with new flavours and aromas at every turn.”
A Tale Of Spices Tasting Notes Feature Exotic Spice Blend
The official tasting notes describe A Tale Of Spices as featuring cumin, saffron, nutmeg, ginger, and chili flavors. Lumsden adds: “There are complex, earthy notes of ginger, nutmeg and cumin, with sweet floral hints and sugared almonds floating over the top. A sensory delight for single malt lovers to explore and enjoy.”
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Each cask type contributes specific characteristics to the final blend. The new charred oak casks add spice dimensions, while the shaved and toasted red wine casks provide nuanced, fruity notes. The Pedro Ximénez sherry casks bring sweetness and depth to the mix.
The expression has already received recognition at the International Spirits Competition 2025, where it earned a Gold award. The whisky comes packaged in a presentation box designed with warm colors meant to evoke spice market displays.
Dr. Bill Lumsden On The ‘A Tale Of’ Series
A Tale Of Spices is available from today (September 2nd, 2025). Distribution includes the Glenmorangie website, the distillery visitor center in Tain, Scotland, and select whisky retailers.
The release continues Glenmorangie’s A Tale Of series. Other such expressions include A Tale Of Ice Cream, A Tale Of Tokyo, and A Tale Of The Forest.
In a virtual tasting held this afternoon, Dr. Bill shed some light on the idea behind the A Tale Of series. He told me that the A Tale Of series involved reimagining the Private Collection series in a more accessible way. The name and branding of the Private Collection felt exclusive, unapproachable. A Tale Of, however, is fun, different, innovative, and more reachable.
Dr. Lumsden also revealed that additional A Tale Of expressions are currently in development, with even more concepts under consideration.
The distillery has also created a menu of cocktails inspired by the new expression, available on their website.
