Glenmorangie The Astar 2017 Release Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Northern Highlands, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky is matured in casks made from slow-growing oak trees from the Ozark Mountains, Missouri. These casks are first used to mature Kentucky straight bourbon for four years before being shipped to Scotland for Glenmorangie whisky maturation.
Age Statement: No specific age statement, but implied to be older than 10 or 12 years based on its complexity and depth compared to Glenmorangie's standard offerings.
Color & Clarity: The whisky is uncolored, showcasing a natural brown hue derived from the caramelization of wood sugars during the cask's toasting process.
Bottle Design: The packaging is similar to the previous release, with a distinctive mark indicating the 2017 release.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky offers a complex balance of sweet, fruity, and vanilla notes, with a distinctive oakiness and hints of almond and coconut from the cask's toasting process. The addition of water opens up more fruitiness and caramel, while maintaining a strong oak presence.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its deep, rich, silky creaminess and non-chill filtered texture, which adds extra layers of flavor and complexity. The intense oakiness and spiciness are reminiscent of Glenmorangie's 18-year-old expression.
Comparison: The Astar 2017 is more complex and intense than Glenmorangie's standard 10-year-old, with a flavor profile that leans towards the spiciness and oakiness of their 18-year-old variant.

Cask Journey: The whisky's name, "Astar," is Gaelic for "the journey," symbolizing the casks' journey from the Ozark Mountains to Scotland. This narrative emphasizes the importance of the cask's origin and preparation in the whisky's flavor profile.
Cask Preparation: The casks are made from oak that has been air-dried for at least two years, allowing the wood to breathe and soften, which contributes to the whisky's flavor development.

Ozark Mountains: The choice of oak from this region highlights the significance of the cask's origin in whisky production. The slow-growing oaks of the Ozarks contribute to the whisky's unique taste and character.
Scottish Tradition Meets American Craft: The process of using bourbon casks for Scotch whisky maturation reflects a blend of Scottish tradition and American craftsmanship, showcasing the global journey of whisky making.

"A dram designed for malt whisky lovers, so that they can then embark upon their own plethora sensory journey." - Emphasizes the whisky's appeal to enthusiasts seeking depth and complexity.
"The oak is surprisingly strong... it remembers me of the 18 year old which is very spicy due to the long time in oak." - Highlights the significant influence of the cask on the whisky's flavor profile.

Glenmorangie The Astar 2017 Release is a complex, non-chill filtered single malt Scotch whisky with no specific age statement, but suggested to be older than Glenmorangie's standard expressions.
Matured in casks from the Ozark Mountains, the whisky exhibits a rich, creamy texture with a balance of sweet, fruity, vanilla, and intense oak flavors.
The whisky's name and production process emphasize the importance of the cask's journey and preparation in shaping its unique character.
The Astar 2017 is recommended for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate a deep, complex flavor profile with a strong oak influence.

For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complexity and unique cask story of Glenmorangie The Astar 2017 will appeal to those with a deep appreciation for the nuances of whisky maturation.
For the Adventurous Drinker: Individuals interested in exploring the impact of cask origin on whisky flavor will find the Astar 2017's use of Ozark Mountain oak intriguing.
For Fans of Rich, Oaky Whiskies: Those who enjoy a pronounced oakiness and spiciness in their whisky, similar to older expressions, will likely enjoy the Astar 2017.