The third release in the Private Editions line was the Glenmorangie Artein (2012) whose inspiration for the whiskey was rock; stone if you want to sound fancy. Limestone water from their Tarlogie Spring, wine created from grapes grown in the stony Tuscan soil. Even the Hilton of Cadboll monument played an inspirational part.
Like many of the other Private Editions, the Artein started out as the Glenmo 10 but was finished for two years in casks that held some of the famed “Super Tuscan” wine. This sweet wine soaked into and enhanced the ex-bourbon spirit and gave us… well, that’s what the review is for.
Let’s get to drinkin’.
Glenmorangie Artein – 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, ex-Super Tuscan Wine
Age: 15+ Years (15 and 21 yo whisky)
ABV: 46%
Released: 2012 (3rd)
Glenmorangie Artein Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller (originally $80)
Related Whiskey
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Glenmorangie Artein Tasting Notes
EYE
Burnt umber
NOSE
Golden grapey sweetness, kouign amann, toasted graham, vanilla pods, green apples, buttery pastries and a touch of baking spice with a slight earthiness.
This is dense and velvety. It’s a crazy complex aroma.
PALATE
Golden grapey sweetness, toasted graham, vanilla pods, spiced citrus, honey, dried orchard fruit, buttery pastries and a bit of nuttiness and floral notes.
The palate pulls back a bit and doesn’t come through with the same depth and complexity. It’s a bit lighter and a bit more floral.
FINISH
Medium-long -> Grapey sweetness, malt, graham and some dried orchard fruit fade out with a bit of floral oak.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Ok balance, medium-full body and a light warm feel.
Glenmorangie Artein – Overall Thoughts and Score
If the palate kept pace with the nose this would be an astounding whisky. As it sits, it’s tasty and enjoyable, but after a few sips I want to keep sniffing it more than I want to keep drinking it.
The aroma is alluring and intoxicating all on its own, I almost don’t need the palate. And that is a bit of an issue. Whisky is meant to be drank and if you’d rather sniff it than sip it something is a bit off.
It’s not my nemesis, floral notes, they’re light enough to not bother me; it’s the lightness of the palate. It’s like a copy of a copy of a copy of the aroma. So it’s not bad, it’s just light, fuzzy and some of the details of the Glenmorangie Artein’s palate get lost compared to aroma.
SCORE: 3.5/5 (tasty, worth checking out ~ B | 83-86) – Thanks to Travis for the sample
Glenmorangie Artein Review $80
Overall
3.5- Nose (4.5)
- Palate (3)
- Finish (3.5)
- BBF (3)
