Glenmorangie Finealta Peated Single Malt Whisky 750ml

SKU #1064568 Whisky Advocate

46% abv. Glenmorangie enters the world of peated whiskies (like everyone else these days it seems - not that I'm complaining). Richly textured layers of sweetness (vanilla, toffee, milk chocolate), fruit (tangerine, orchard fruit - especially ripe cherry), roasted nuts, wild morels, a hint of menthol, and gentle smoke. Certainly entertaining, even if the whisky doesn’t always seem to know what it wants to be. The soft sweetness mid-palate is balanced nicely by dried spice and smoke on the finish. Curiously enjoyable. (Vol. 19, #4)

K&L Notes

Based on an old Glenmorangie recipe dating back to the turn of the 20th century, the Finealta is a ressurrection of a lightly-peated malt that was originally sold to the Savoy Hotel in London back in 1903. While the smoke lingers gently in the background, there's no doubt that this is classic Glenmorangie - light textures, soft fruits, elegant flavors held completely in check, always with the peat acting as its spine. This is a limited edition release and will not be around permanently, so waiting to pull the trigger on the inevitable is not advised in this case. Personally, I really love this whisky and was the first person in line when the bottles came in. This is the Champagne of peated whiskies, for those of us who appreciate grace and style. A single malt nod to the Belle Epoch, the salad days for boozehounds. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)