Glenmorangie Palo Cortado - Barrel Select 12 Years 2022 | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenmorangie Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially matured for 8 years in ex-bourbon casks, followed by a 4-year finishing period in Palo Cortado sherry casks. This is a deviation from the typical Glenmorangie finishing process, which usually involves 10 years in ex-bourbon casks before transferring.
Age Statement: 12 years old.
ABV: 46%.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the packaging includes a green label and capsule.
Bottle Design: Noted for its green label and capsule, which can appear transparent against a green background due to chroma key effects.

Nose: Sweet with notes of caramel, toffee, and spices such as ginger. There's a light, cooling sensation with hints of chocolate.
Palate: Starts sweet and oily, transitioning to flavors of roasted nuts, intense spiciness, and possibly earthy notes like leather and anise. The sweetness fades, leaving a very intense aftertaste.
Unique Characteristics: Lacks the typical citrus note found in Northern Island whiskies, making it distinct within the Glenmorangie range. The flavor profile is described as suitable for the holiday season, with comparisons to spiced wine.

Palo Cortado Sherry Casks: The use of Palo Cortado sherry casks is highlighted as a unique aspect of this whisky. Palo Cortado is a rare type of sherry that occurs "by accident" when the yeast cap falls, exposing the sherry to oxidation. This halfway state between non-oxidized and oxidized gives the Palo Cortado its distinct characteristics, which in turn influence the whisky's flavor.

The whisky's maturation in Palo Cortado casks ties it to the unique and somewhat serendipitous process of creating Palo Cortado sherry, adding a layer of rarity and storytelling to the whisky's profile.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as "wonderfully fruity" and "excellent," noting its suitability for the holiday season due to its spicy and intense flavor profile.
The recommendation to purchase immediately if found, due to its limited availability, underscores the whisky's desirability and rarity.

Glenmorangie Palo Cortado Barrel Select is a 12-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, matured in ex-bourbon and Palo Cortado sherry casks.
It features a sweet and spicy flavor profile, with notable absence of the typical citrus notes found in Northern Island whiskies.
The use of rare Palo Cortado sherry casks adds a unique twist to its maturation process and flavor.
Recommended for those who enjoy a spicy, intense whisky, particularly during the colder months.
Limited availability makes it a sought-after bottle among whisky enthusiasts.

Whisky Collectors: Due to its limited release and unique maturation process, this whisky is a must-have for collectors seeking rare and unusual expressions.
Holiday Season Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy rich, spicy whiskies during the winter months will find this expression particularly appealing.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Those with a palate for complex, intense flavors and an interest in the nuanced effects of different cask types on whisky will appreciate the Glenmorangie Palo Cortado Barrel Select.