Glenmorangie Bond House No. 1 Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenmorangie, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation: The whisky is matured in ex-bourbon casks and ex-oloroso sherry casks, with a portion receiving a finishing in Côte-Rôtie casks from the Rhône Valley, known for its intensely sun-exposed slopes.
Age Statement: 27 years, vintage 1989, bottled in 2017.
ABV: 43%
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky comes in a luxurious bottle, part of the Bond House No. 1 collection. The packaging includes a wooden box and a copper plate, emphasizing its premium status.

Initial Flavors: Fruity and tropical notes, with a hint of sourness, black currant, apples, and subtle vanilla and toffee.
Development: Starts smooth and light, typical of Glenmorangie due to their tall stills, then evolves into a spicy and slightly bitter profile with pepper, vanilla, toffee, and a persistent fruity note.
Comparison: Similar in some aspects to Glenmorangie's 18-year-old expression, but with a more pronounced cask influence, adding complexity with eucalyptus oiliness and honey, culminating in a peppery sensation.

Distillery Transformation: The Bond House No. 1 was one of Glenmorangie's largest 19th-century bonded warehouses, later converted into a distillery with some of the tallest stills in Scotland, referred to as the "Highland Cathedral."
Collection Significance: This release is part of an exclusive vintage collection celebrating the distillery's legacy, with this particular bottle being the second in the series.

Côte-Rôtie Influence: The use of Côte-Rôtie casks for finishing introduces a unique geographical twist, linking the whisky to the renowned wine-producing region of Rhône Valley, known for its "roasted slopes."

Horst Luening's Impressions: Describes the whisky as "very very smooth," "very very clear," and "quite complex," praising its evolution from light and fruity to spicy and peppery. He notes the high price but acknowledges the whisky's complexity and limited availability.

Glenmorangie Bond House No. 1 is a 27-year-old single malt, matured in ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks, with a finishing in Côte-Rôtie casks.
It features a complex flavor profile, starting with tropical fruits and evolving into a spicy and peppery finish.
The whisky celebrates the distillery's transformation and is part of an exclusive vintage collection.
It is presented in a luxurious package, reflecting its premium status and limited availability.

Whisky Collectors: Given its exclusivity, limited edition status, and part of a collectible series, this whisky is highly recommended for collectors.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for aged, complex single malts will appreciate the depth and evolution of flavors.
Fans of Wine Cask Finishes: Individuals interested in the unique influence of wine casks, especially from the Côte-Rôtie region, will find this whisky intriguing.