The tenth, and so far final, release in the Private Editions line was the Glenmorangie Allta (2019). Its name translates to wild and is in reference to a unique strain of wild yeast Dr. Bill discovered on their Cadboll barley.
After some intense work to cultivate the yeast (Saccharomyces Diaemath) they used it to ferment batches of the Cadboll barley which were then distilled to create this whisky. Unlike most of the previous PE releases, this release obviously didn’t start life as a standard Original 10.
In addition to the yeast and barley, the Allta also uses a large amount of 2nd fill casks to better highlight the spirit itself. It’s also the highest ABV release in the Private Editions releases. With so many factors in play it’s hard to say what is responsible for changes over the 10, but all I’m hoping for is that it’s good.
Let’s get to drinkin’ and find out.
Glenmorangie Allta – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Style: Single Malt (Scotch)
Region: Highlands, Scotland
Distiller: Glenmorangie
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon (1st & 2nd fill)
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 51.2%
Released: 2019 (10th)
Glenmorangie Allta Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller (originally $72)
Related Whiskey
Glenmorangie Cadboll 15 Years
Glenmorangie Tusail
Glenmorangie Milsean
Glenmorangie Bacalta
Glenmorangie Spios
Glenmorangie Allta Tasting Notes
EYE
Honey
NOSE
Banana pudding, dried tropical fruit, Sunkist Fruit Gems, graham, cocoa, waxy vanilla taffy, baking spice and a bit of olde candy.
Something about the sweetness coming off of this reminds me of the sugar-free lollipops I got from the dentist when I was a kid.
PALATE
Malt, dried orchard and tropical fruit, Sunkist Fruit Gems, cocoa, graham, vanilla taffy and a touch of peppery spice and baking spice.
The spiciness builds as it goes and it works perfectly with the sweetness.
FINISH
Medium -> Malty, fruity, sweet and spicy.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Well balanced, medium-full body and a soft oily feel.
Glenmorangie Allta – Overall Thoughts and Score
Complex fruit for days. This is a tasty and inviting whisky to share with friends and have a conversation around. The way the fruit, candy sweetness and increasing spice notes mix together is wonderful.
I’m not quite as gaga for this one as I’ve been for others, but there is no denying this is a good un-peated Scotch. It shows something unique without losing the Glenmo spirit. If you have a Glenmorangie Allta, I hope you cherish it and enjoy it to the last drop.
SCORE: 4/5 (good, definitely recommend ~ B+ | 87-89) – Thanks to Travis for the sample
Glenmorangie Allta Review $72
Overall
4- Nose (4)
- Palate (4)
- Finish (4)
- BBF (4)
