Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Years Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenmorangie Distillery, owned by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Process: Utilizes the tallest stills in Scotland, standing at six meters (approximately 18 feet), which helps in separating alcohol from fusel oils effectively, ensuring only the finest vapors condense into the spirit.
Maturation Process: Initially matured for 10 years in American ex-bourbon casks, followed by a two-year finishing period in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks.
Age Statement: 12 years.
ABV: 43%, with slight chill filtration.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the influence of sherry casks suggests a potentially rich, golden hue.
Bottle Design: Comes in a typical Glenmorangie bottle, with packaging that includes a miniature and a Glenmorangie tasting glass.

Balance of Flavors: A harmonious blend of sweetness, fruitiness, and slight oakiness without any bitterness.
Unique Characteristics: The addition of Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks introduces a sweeter, more fruity profile, complementing the already present Oloroso Sherry cask influences.
Comparison: The new 43% ABV version with Pedro Ximenez finishing is compared to the older 46% ABV version, which lacked this additional cask influence. The newer version offers a different, potentially more complex, flavor profile due to this change.

Interesting Anecdotes: The transition from the older 46% ABV versions to the newer 43% ABV version with Pedro Ximenez cask finishing marks a significant change in the whisky's maturation process, aiming to introduce a richer sweetness and fruitiness to the whisky.

Historical Context: Glenmorangie's use of the tallest stills in Scotland is a notable aspect of its distillation process, contributing to the whisky's distinct character.
Geographical Significance: The distillery's location and its choice of sherry casks for finishing the whisky highlight the influence of both Scottish and Spanish traditions in whisky making.

"Peruchimines is a very fruity and sweet Sherry and is one of my favorite casks for finishing whiskeys."
"Whenever you look for a mellow, a sweet, an easy drinking single malt whisky, this is the right one."

Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Years is a single malt Scotch whisky, matured in American ex-bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks.
It offers a sweet, fruity, and slightly oaky flavor profile without bitterness, making it an easy-drinking whisky.
The whisky's production involves the tallest stills in Scotland, contributing to its refined character.
The addition of Pedro Ximenez cask finishing introduces a richer sweetness and fruitiness.
Recommended for beginners or as a gift for those looking to share their passion for whisky without overwhelming the recipient.

For Beginners: The Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Years, with its easy-drinking, sweet, and mellow profile, is highly recommended for those new to whisky.
For Whisky Collectors: Collectors might be interested in acquiring the older 46% ABV versions before they become rare, as suggested by the host.
For Gift Givers: This whisky is an excellent choice for those looking to introduce friends to the world of whisky, offering a gentle yet flavorful experience.