Glenmorangie's New 12 Year Old
Glenmorangie
Glenmorangie’s Bold Move: Replacing Their Iconic 10-Year-Old Whisky with a 12-Year-Old Expression
For decades, the distillery’s 10-year-old expression has been a cornerstone of their portfolio, however, in a surprising move, Glenmorangie has announced the replacement of it with a new 12-year-old expression. This decision marks a significant shift in the distillery’s strategy and has generated considerable interest and speculation among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
Glenmorangie’s 10-year-old, often referred to as “The Original,” is known for its smooth, fruity character and delicate complexity, it has introduced countless people to the world of single malt Scotch. The 10-year-old was often seen as an entry point into the broader Glenmorangie range, which includes a variety of older and more experimental expressions. Over the years, it has garnered numerous awards and accolades, cementing its place as one of the most respected whiskies in its category.
The decision to replace such an iconic whisky would not be made lightly. According to Glenmorangie’s master distiller, the move to a 12-year-old expression reflects the distillery’s commitment to innovation and quality. As whisky matures, it develops deeper and more complex flavours, and the additional two years in the barrel allow the spirit to reach new heights of refinement and character.
This change is also part of a broader trend in the whisky industry, where there is an increasing demand for older and more mature expressions. By introducing a 12-year-old, Glenmorangie aims to appeal to this growing segment of the market, offering something that is both familiar and elevated.
While the 12-year-old expression retains the core characteristics that made the 10-year-old so beloved, it also introduces new layers of complexity. The extra two years of ageing in American oak casks allow for a richer development of flavours. There is a deeper, more pronounced vanilla sweetness, accompanied by hints of toffee, ripe fruit, and a subtle spice. The mouthfeel is slightly fuller.