Glenmorangie Spìos Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenmorangie, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation: Utilizes the tallest stills in Scotland, standing at 6 meters (approximately 18 feet) high, which contributes to a smoother and more elegant whisky.
Maturation: Fully matured in American ex-rye casks, a rarity in Scotch whisky production. This choice of maturation cask is the whisky's unique selling proposition.
Age Statement: Estimated to be around 10 years, based on the discussion and comparison to other Glenmorangie expressions.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the presentation includes a green screen setup to avoid color distortion in visuals.
Bottle Design: Part of Glenmorangie's Private Edition series, this is the ninth release. The bottle and packaging details were not extensively covered, but it is implied that it follows the series' aesthetic.

Balance of Flavors: A complex interplay between the smooth, elegant vanilla and citrus fruity notes typical of Glenmorangie, and the intense, spicy characteristics imparted by the ex-rye cask maturation.
Unique Characteristics: The spiciness of the rye is prominent, offering a mouth-watering and strong spicy profile without the alcoholic sharpness or bitterness from the cask. Notes of coolness, possibly eucalyptus, and fruit sherry are mentioned, adding to its complexity.
Comparison: The spiciness is comparable to Glenmorangie's 18-year-old expression, though the source of spiciness in Spìos comes from the rye, not oak.

Anecdotes: The whisky's name, Spìos, is Gaelic for "spice," reflecting its flavor profile and the golden era of rye whiskey in the US. Dr. Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie's director of distilling, was inspired by the cinnamon and clove notes of American rye in the 1990s, leading to the creation of Spìos.
Trivia: The use of ex-rye casks for maturation is highlighted as a rare and special choice in Scotch whisky production.

Historical Context: Spìos pays homage to the golden era of rye whiskey in the US, a time when rye was a dominant spirit before nearly facing extinction. The revival of rye whiskey's popularity, especially in central Europe, is noted.
Geographical Note: The ex-rye casks were sourced from the heart of Kentucky, emphasizing the American influence on this Scotch whisky.

"This is a Glenmorangie which is typically very smooth... and now they matured in total in full in ex-rye casks."
"The rye kicks in, really, definitely. Mouth-watering, strong, spicy."
"Something really special from Glenmorangie."

Glenmorangie Spìos is a unique single malt Scotch whisky, fully matured in American ex-rye casks.
It offers a complex flavor profile, balancing Glenmorangie's smooth, elegant characteristics with the intense spiciness of rye.
The whisky celebrates the golden era of rye whiskey in the US, with a significant cultural and historical nod to its revival.
Expert opinions praise Spìos for its uniqueness, especially highlighting the impactful choice of maturation casks.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with an appreciation for unique maturation processes and historical nods in their whisky will find Spìos intriguing.
For Rye Whiskey Lovers: Individuals who enjoy the spiciness and complexity of rye whiskey might appreciate how these characteristics are presented in a Scotch whisky context.
For Collectors: Given its status as part of Glenmorangie's Private Edition series, Spìos could be a valuable addition to a collector's assortment.