The first Private Edition release was the Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX (2010). Like most of the core editions, it started life as the standard Glenmo 10. That ex-bourbon whisky was put into some ex-Pedro Ximenez casks from Jerez where it sat for 2 more years.
One way to think of the Sonnalta is that’s essentially the Lasanta without the Oloroso; the PX-only portion if you will. It was also NCF. In total, these are some significant changes and differences, but the question is, how significant. Let’s crack this sample and get to drinkin’ to find out.
Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX – 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-PX
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 46%
Released: 2010 (1st)
Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller (originally $77)
Related Whiskey
Glenmorangie The Original 10 Years
Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Years
Glenmorangie A Tale Of Winter
Glenmorangie A Tale Of Cake
Glenmorangie Sherry Wood 12 Years
Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX Tasting Notes
EYE
Pinkish amber
NOSE
Sugary sherry, citrus, copper, leather, toasted graham, vanilla and nuts with some dried fruit.
The PX notes aren’t subtle or shy here, they’re right upfront.
PALATE
Inky, sticky, sweet sherry, dry fruit leather, malt, vanilla cupcakes with orange frosting, roasted nuts and a bit of baking spice.
A powerful palate that delivers a LOT of PX sherry influence.
FINISH
Med-long -> Sherry, roasted nuts, char, toasted graham and some metallic citrus on the fade.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Ok balance, med-full body and a round soft feel.
Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX – Overall Thoughts and Score
I’m not the biggest PX fan. I actually like it when it’s more subtle than other fortified wine finishes like Oloroso or Madeira. I feel like PX can overtake the malty quality and easily erase the underlying malt. I feel like that happened a bit here.
It didn’t obliterate it like it does with fully ex-PX Glendronachs (I avoid those now), but it is heavy enough that I’m having trouble finding the Glenmo spirit in this. Setting aside this is supposed to be a Glenmo and looking at it in the abstract though, the Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX is a decent whisky, but not something I’d reach for regularly.
SCORE: 3/5 (above average, worth checking out ~ B- | 80-82) – Thanks to Travis for the sample
Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX Review $77
Overall
3- Nose (3)
- Palate (3)
- Finish (3)
- BBF (3)
