Nearly all gone!!

But still worth writing about

Glenmorangie launched its Private Edition 5 in mid-January: Companta (meaning friendship is Gaelic). Caroline Hampden-White was there to taste the new edition to the series.

Glenmornagie Companta ©Colin Hampden-White

This new whisky was introduced to the gathered whisky lovers by the very entertaining, but also brilliant Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation at Glenmorangie.

Dr William (Bill) Lumsden. In his role as Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation at Glenmorangie ©Colin Hampden-White

It comprises 60% Glenmorangie finished in Clos de Tart Grand Cru Burgundy barrels. The whisky is about 11 – 12 years old before being finished for 4 years in the burgundy barrels.

and

40% Glenmorangie from 1995, finished for 8 years in fortified sweet wine from Rasteau in the Rhone.

They were left to marry for 6 months and the result is delightful.

Colour: A very reddy-brown with a touch of a golden hue.

Nose:

Complex, stewed fruits, mainly plums at first followed by lots of spice and black pepper. There are earthy and leathery notes which although take a little time to evolve, come through, and just on the end there’s a touch of nutty sweetness and wisps of candle wax.

Palate:

The spice comes through first with sweetness at the front. There is a definite wine profile of cherry and port flavours and even a touch of tannin. There is vanilla and chocolate and integrated oak. More spices, including some star anise.

Finish:

There is a little black pepper on the finish along with orange peel, spice and a little cocoa sweetness. Very long.

Enjoying Glenmorangie Companta cocktails with Dr Bill Lumsden

Summing up:

Overall, the wine flavours are very prominent, so if you like wine finishes with your whisky I suggest you will like this very much. I do like this whisky very much. It won’t hang around for long, and most places have already sold out. But The Whisky Exchange has a little and at £66.95 is a bargain. http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com

Dr William (Bill) Lumsden. In his role as Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation at Glenmorangie ©Colin Hampden-White