Imagine the blooms of jasmine, geranium and narcissus bounding through a whisky bottle. Art and life collide as Glenmorangie recently introduced its 18 Years Old whisky whose fragrant bouquet is said to have inspired a unique collaboration with botanical sculptor Azuma Makoto.
Comparing the vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky’s floral notes to a flower in bloom, Azuma Makoto celebrates its unfolding radiance in this limited-edition design, showcasing his artistic work “Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie.”
This sculpture features nearly a hundred different blooms, and it is said it reimagines whisky through the language of flowers.
When he first tasted Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, Makoto said he was struck by how the whisky’s floral notes danced on the tongue.
The whisky’s official tasting notes of honeysuckle, sweet pea, jasmine and geranium intertwined with dried fruits and honey, and Makoto was inspired to translate the single malt’s flavors into flowers.
First sketching his ideas, Makoto then created a floral artwork in his studio, in Tokyo, Japan. With the many real blooms surrounding him, he included those he scented in the whisky, the Scottish blooms and flowers from the many countries where Glenmorangie is enjoyed.
Makoto then drifted petals, confetti-like, over the work as it was photographed and filmed. His sculpture Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie is showcased on the whisky’s gift box and labels.
Glenmorangie 18 Years Old begins with the distillery’s new make spirit, crafted in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow for what’s described as more space for taste and aroma. Next, the spirit is aged in bourbon casks for 15 years, then a portion is transferred into Oloroso sherry casks for three more years. After 18 years, these casks are reunited to create the single malt whisky’s taste.
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Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s director of whisky creation, said in a prepared statement Makoto’s work perfectly translates the sweet, floral lushness of Glenmorangie 18 Years Old. “A mere glimpse of his limited edition design brings to mind the whisky’s scents of geranium, tuberose and jasmine, and tastes of honeysuckle and sweet pea, figs and nuts. Since it looks as wonderful as it tastes, this limited edition is sure to delight whisky lovers old and new.”
Makoto said, “When I first tasted Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, each sip of the whisky unfurled as if it was a flower in bloom. I could taste so many blossoms dancing on my tongue, that I was inspired to reimagine the whisky in Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie. I hope that through this limited edition design, my work brings as much joy as the delicious tastes which inspired it.”
More official information can be found below, including detailed tasting notes.
- ABV: 43%
- Color: Deep gold. Rich and full.
- Nose: Rich, rounded and sweet with dried fruits and a complex floral fragrance. Initially, the aroma has nutty, caramel and vanilla overtones followed by hints of walnuts, honeycomb and dates. Complex floral notes emerge with geranium, jasmine and narcissus. With water, deep oak notes are released, revealing a balsamic character, softened by vanilla. The hallmark Glenmorangie fruity complexity emerges as rich apricots and dates, interwoven with hazelnuts.
- Taste: The mouthfeel is silky, smooth and rounded with a full flavor. The taste is balanced between the flavors of honey, malt and flowery scents, followed by Oloroso nuttiness such as hazelnuts and walnuts. Dates and figs emerge in the background with a hint of wood smoke.
- Finish: The finish is long and enticing, with the sweetness of dried fruit and subtle dryness of Oloroso nuttiness.
- Suggested Retail Price: $139.99
- Awards: Glenmorangie 18 Years Old received a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021, and a Gold Award at the International Spirits Challenge 2021.
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