Glenmorangie Milsean Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenmorangie, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Distillation & Maturation: Initially matured in ex-bourbon casks, followed by extra maturation in re-toasted Portuguese red wine casks. The re-toasting process involves heating the casks to activate the wood, enhancing the whisky's flavor profile.
Age Statement: Not explicitly mentioned, but the extra maturation takes place over several years.
Color & Bottle Design: The whisky has a good golden glow. The bottle design features red and white stripes, reminiscent of traditional confectionery shops from the reviewer's childhood. The packaging includes a Glenmorangie glass with a lid, and a memory stick containing background information and atmospheric shots of the bottle.

Nose: Faint hints of citrus and a slight alcoholic note, with a rudimentary smell overall. Some maltiness appears after a while.
Palate: Intense flavors kick in with mouth-watering sweetness, prickling at the tip of the tongue, and a coverage inside the mouth. Notes of peaches, nectarines, melons, and a little caramel from the re-toasted casks.
Finish: Short to medium, with little caramel and very light vanilla. The sweetness and candy-like notes are not as pronounced in the nose.
Overall: The whisky starts very light, becomes highly intense in taste, and then fades off quickly.

The Milsean is part of Glenmorangie's Private Edition series, indicating its limited availability and collectible nature. The casks used for extra maturation were part of a pioneering experiment to enhance the sweet notes of Glenmorangie.

The name "Milsean" is Gaelic for "sweets" or "dessert," reflecting the whisky's intended flavor profile of intense candied fruit flavors and sweetness. The casks came from Portugal, emphasizing the use of Portuguese red wine casks rather than port wine casks for the extra maturation process.

The reviewer, Horst Luining, suggests that while the Glenmorangie Milsean is unique, there are other whiskies in the Glenmorangie range that offer better value for money. He recommends leaving the Milsean for collectors and instead exploring other options like the Nectar D'Or, Quinta Ruben, or the 18-year-old Glenmorangie for their intense aroma and flavors.

Glenmorangie Milsean is a single malt whisky with a unique maturation process involving re-toasted Portuguese red wine casks.
It offers a flavor profile that starts light, becomes intensely sweet and spicy, and then fades quickly.
Part of Glenmorangie's Private Edition series, making it a collectible item.
The reviewer appreciates the whisky's uniqueness but suggests other Glenmorangie whiskies might offer better value.

Whisky Collectors: Given its limited edition nature and unique story, collectors would find the Milsean a valuable addition to their collection.
Sweet Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy sweet, candy-like flavors in their whisky might appreciate the Milsean's unique profile.
Glenmorangie Fans: Aficionados of the distillery looking to explore all facets of its range would be interested in trying the Milsean.
New Whisky Drinkers: Might find the Milsean's intense sweetness and quick fade an interesting, albeit potentially challenging, tasting experience.