Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1996 is a highly regarded release from the distillery's Bond House No. 1 Collection, a series dedicated to showcasing rare and experimental cask combinations. Created at Glenmorangie Distillery, this whisky began its long maturation in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in a mix of Oloroso sherry butts and Burgundy wine casks. The combination introduces an unusual level of depth and contrast, bringing together Glenmorangie's trademark brightness with a darker, more layered complexity shaped by time and diverse wood influence.
Over more than two decades, the whisky develops a profile that feels both vibrant and richly textured. Red fruits and floral notes from the wine casks intertwine with honey, vanilla, and soft spice from the bourbon maturation, while the sherry influence adds depth through dried fruits and subtle nuttiness. The result is a whisky that evolves steadily in the glass, shifting between fresh and indulgent elements, with a refined structure that keeps everything in balance. It's a composed, elegant expression designed for slow appreciation, offering a detailed and nuanced take on long-aged Highland whisky.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Red berries, honey, orange peel, and floral notes with hints of spice and oak.
Palate:
Layered and expressive, with stone fruits, chocolate, nuts, and gentle spice.
Finish:
Long and evolving, with lingering fruit, soft oak, and a refined sweetness.
