2017 Glenmorangie 'The Astar' Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml

Manufacturer's Notes: Perfected by the sixteen men of Tain since 1843

The Pursuit of Perfection
From the tall peaks of the Missouri Ozarks to the sweeping grandeur of the Highlands of Scotland, Glenmorangie Astar (Scots Gaelic for "journey") is the story of our quest to 'design' the very best oak casks that will deliver perfection in the final whisky. First released in 2008, the single malt's long awaited return as a 2017 limited edition brings forth a newfound richness and complexity to iys silken depths.

The Wood Makes the Whisky
There are many mysteries that surround the making of malt whisky, but all distillers acknowledge the quintessential importance of the effect of maturation in oak casks on the quality of the final spirit. Recognised as pioneer in cask management, Glenmorangie brought forth in 2008 a much-coveted whisky, Glenmorangie Astar (Scots Gaelic for "journey"), in which the delicate floral spirit of Glenmorangie meets entirely bespoke casks hewn from oak trees from the Ozark mountains of Missouri. Ever since, Dr. Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, has longed to revisit the whisky's silken depths. Yet such casks are rare. In Glenmorangie Astar's triumphant return as a 2017 limited edition release, Dr. Bill's dedication brings a newfound richness and complexity to an exalted single malt.

A Rather Unusual "Journey"
It begins with a careful selection of slow-growth oak trees from the Ozark mountains of Missouri chosen for their porous structure. To exact designs, staves are hewn from these vast oaks. Left to season in the open air for at least two years, the wood begins to breathe and soften. Even at this stage, it gains the first elements of flavour that will shine in the final whisky -- notably tones of vanilla and creme brulee.

From America to Tain
The staves are then cooperated into oak casks and gently toasted to contribute further flavours of almond and coconut. These caks are then filled with bourbon and set aside to mature for four years, to smooth away any rawness. Finally, they are emptied and shipped to our Distillery in Tain. Filled with our renowned, delicate and complex spirit, they begin a long, slow maturation.

Journey's End
So from the mountains of Missouri to the Highlands of Scotland, our part of this story ends with a whisky that is delivered at 52.5% depth. Non chill-filtered for extra texture, it offers a lovely deep, rich, silky creaminess -- a dram 'designed' for malt whisky lovers, so that they can embark upon their own pleasurable sensory journey.