Glenmorangie Tùsail Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenmorangie, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: The specific distillation and maturation processes are not detailed, but it is mentioned that the whisky is non-chill filtered and likely matured in first-fill American oak casks, given the intense caramel and vanilla notes.
Age Statement: No specific age statement is provided.
Color & Bottle Design: The color of the whisky is not described, but the packaging includes a typical Glenmorangie glass with a lid, a memory stick with pictures, a personal greeting card, and a flyer. The bottle is part of Glenmorangie's Private Edition range, indicating a special release.

Aroma: Deep, earthy, robust aromas with malty, biscuity tones, and a backbone of nut toffee.
Taste: Rich rustic profile of nut toffee, sweet barley malt, ginger, cinnamon, dates in molasses, complemented by Glenmorangie's familiar notes of peaches, oranges, and smoked pears. The use of Maris Otter barley contributes to these unique flavors.
Finish: Lingering, mouth-coating finish with no bitterness, indicating a lack of heavy tannins from the oak casks.

Maris Otter Barley: Tùsail highlights the use of Maris Otter barley, a winter variety first introduced in 1965, known for imparting rich, rustic malty flavors. This barley, once near extinction and preserved by two cereal salesmen, is recognized for its quality over yield ethos.
Craft and Quality: The whisky celebrates Glenmorangie's commitment to using only the finest ingredients, sacrificing yield for quality. It pays tribute to the legacy of Maris Otter barley and those who prioritize quality in their pursuit of perfection.

Gaelic Name: "Tùsail" is Scots Gaelic for "originary," reflecting the whisky's connection to Scottish heritage and the origin of its unique barley.
English Barley: Despite being a Scottish whisky, Tùsail uses Maris Otter barley, which is English, highlighting a cross-border appreciation for quality ingredients within the British Isles.

Horst Lueninger's Impressions: Describes the whisky as having an "intense aroma and a hint of smokiness," with a flavor profile dominated by caramel, vanilla, and typical Glenmorangie fruitiness. He notes the absence of bitterness and a long, non-bitter aftertaste, praising the whisky's complexity and full taste.
Limited Availability Concerns: Lueninger discusses the challenges and frustrations among whisky enthusiasts regarding the limited availability of Glenmorangie's Private Edition range, including Tùsail.

Glenmorangie Tùsail is a special release single malt Scotch whisky, part of the distillery's Private Edition range.
It features Maris Otter barley, known for its rich, rustic malty flavors.
The whisky has a complex flavor profile with notes of nut toffee, sweet barley malt, ginger, cinnamon, and Glenmorangie's signature fruitiness.
Tùsail's name and use of English barley highlight its cultural and geographical significance.
Limited availability has led to some frustration among whisky enthusiasts.

Whisky Collectors: Given its limited release and unique use of Maris Otter barley, Tùsail is a must-have for collectors seeking rare and distinctive bottles.
Fans of Rich, Malty Whiskies: Those who appreciate a rich, complex flavor profile with malty, biscuity tones and a hint of smokiness would enjoy Tùsail.
Glenmorangie Enthusiasts: Loyal fans of Glenmorangie looking to explore the full range of the distillery's craftsmanship, including its Private Edition releases.