Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or 12 Years Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenmorangie Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: This whisky is part of Glenmorangie's extra matured range, which includes whiskies finished in different types of casks. The Nectar d'Or is specifically finished in Sauternes wine casks from the Bordeaux region of France, known for producing sweet dessert wines. This secondary maturation process imparts additional flavors to the whisky.
Age Statement: 12 years.
ABV: 46%, un-chill filtered.
Color: Honey gold, uncolored.
Clarity: Clear.
Bottle Design: The packaging has been updated to a more elaborate design featuring the new Glenmorangie logo and a divided label, indicating a move towards a more premium presentation.

Nose: Initial aromas of white wine and vanilla, with Glenmorangie's characteristic citrus undertones. The vanilla scent intensifies over time.
Palate: The flavor profile is rich and fruity, with notes of lime and orange rind, sultanas, and dates. It also features tantalizing spices like coconut and nutmeg, along with ginger, toasted almonds, syrupy lemon meringue, and honeycomb.
Finish: Long and sweet, with lemon zest, white chocolate, vanilla, and traces of ginger and nutmeg.
Overall: The whisky is described as smooth, mellow, harmonic, and elegant, with a sweet and oily mouthfeel. The Sauternes cask finishing adds a unique sweetness and complexity to the whisky.

The Nectar d'Or name, meaning "golden nectar" in Gaelic, reflects the whisky's sumptuous character and its finishing in Sauternes casks.
The Sauternes casks are sourced from renowned French vineyards, possibly including Chateau Jacques de Cam, due to Glenmorangie's parent company, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, owning the vineyard. This connection adds an interesting layer to the whisky's backstory.

The use of Sauternes wine casks from Bordeaux for finishing highlights the cultural exchange between Scottish whisky making and French winemaking traditions, creating a unique product that bridges two renowned regions for their respective spirits.

Horst Luening, the mastertaster, praises the whisky for its elegance, balance, and smoothness. He notes the harmonious combination of sweet French white wine with the smooth and silky character of Glenmorangie Single Malt.

Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or is a 12-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, finished in Sauternes wine casks.
It features a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, spices, and sweet dessert wine influences.
The whisky's packaging has been updated to reflect a more premium offering.
The use of Sauternes casks adds a unique sweetness and depth to the whisky, making it a standout in Glenmorangie's extra matured range.
The whisky is highly praised for its smoothness, balance, and elegant character.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for the craft of whisky making and the influence of cask finishing will find the Nectar d'Or's complexity and unique flavor profile rewarding.
For Sweet Whisky Lovers: Individuals who enjoy sweeter whiskies will appreciate the dessert wine influences and the rich, fruity, and spicy notes.
For Beginners: The smoothness and balanced flavors make it an accessible choice for those new to whisky, looking to explore beyond basic offerings.
For Collectors: The updated packaging and the story behind the Sauternes cask finishing may make this a desirable addition to a collection.