Glenmorangie Cask Masters “A” Grand Cru Burgundy Finish

Back in 2013 Glenmo sent out bottles of experimental whisky to bloggers, writers and other whisky folks; this Glenmorangie Cask Masters “A” Grand Cru Burgundy Finish was one of the three in the kits. B was a an ex-Grand Cru Bordeaux and C was an ex-Manzanilla. At a private tasting I was able to try […]

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Back in 2013 Glenmo sent out bottles of experimental whisky to bloggers, writers and other whisky folks;

this Glenmorangie Cask Masters “A” Grand Cru Burgundy Finish was one of the three in the kits. B was a an ex-Grand Cru Bordeaux and C was an ex-Manzanilla. At a private tasting I was able to try the B, but the C still eludes me to this day.

Glenmorangie A Grand Cru Burgundy Finish Review

The B was good and I remember thinking “if this was available I’d buy it”, but between the B and the A I’m going to go ahead and spoil the ending just a bit by saying that I’d take the A. The Burgundy Finish really works.

Now, let’s get to drinkin’


Glenmorangie Cask Masters “A” Grand Cru Burgundy Finish – Details and Tasting Notes

 

Whiskey Details

Natural Color

Style: Single Malt (Scotch)
Region: Highlands, Scotland
Distiller: Glenmorangie

Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon, ex-Grand Cru Burgundy
Age: NAS
ABV: 46%

Glenmorangie Cask Masters “A” Grand Cru Burgundy Finish Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller

Related Whiskey

Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years
Glenmorangie Artein
Glenmorangie Companta
Glenmorangie Milsean
Glenmorangie Malaga Cask 12 Years

White background tasting shot with the Glenmorangie Cask Masters "A" Grand Cru Burgundy Finish sample bottle and a glass of whiskey next to it.
“I’d like to tell you a little bit about Cask A. Cask A, in fact, is French oak and it had previously contained Grand Cru Burgundy Red Wine… It’s a very complex whiskey. If you like whiskey which has slightly more unusual flavor, then maybe Cask A is the one you’ll go for.” – Bill Lumsden

Glenmorangie Cask Masters “A” Grand Cru Burgundy Finish Tasting Notes

EYE
Coppery amber

NOSE
Juicy raisiny dark fruit, vanilla cake, citrus frosting, Whoppers/Malteesers, sultanas, grapefruit peel and some dried apples.

There is a freshness to the aroma that is astounding. It’s a dark profile, but delivered vibrantly.

PALATE
Juicy raisiny dark fruit, graham, vanilla cake, dried orchard fruit, baking spice, Whoppers/Malteesers, sultanas, grapefruit peel and a touch nutty.

The nose is nice, but this palate is excellent.

FINISH
Med-long -> Dark fruit, baking spice and malt fade to cocoa and oak.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Well balanced, med-full body and a lightly oiled feel.


Glenmorangie Cask Masters “A” Grand Cru Burgundy Finish – Overall Thoughts and Score

I would happily drink this Burgundy finished Glenmo all day any day. This is a perfect example of how well Glenmo spirit works with wine and the complexity and depth it can bring to the spirit when done right. Profoundly delicious and interesting it’s the fulfilled promise of what the old Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years could have been.

If this Glenmorangie Cask Masters “A” Grand Cru Burgundy Finish was available on the market now, and priced in my range, I would buy a bottle. Wine finishing works well with Glenmorangie spirit and I know Dr. Bill is a huge wine fan so it’s a bit strange we don’t see more wine finished Glenmos along this line hit the market.

SCORE: 4.5/5 (very good, highly recommended ~ A- | 90-93) – Thanks to Travis for the sample

Glenmorangie A Grand Cru Burgundy Finish Label

Glenmorangie A Grand Cru Burgundy Finish Review $NA
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Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years Review

Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years is one of the OG Glenmo core offerings that didn’t make it when LVMH took over. Though its soul lives on in all of the many, and varied, red-wine finished single malts in their portfolio. I guess, in a way, you could say it was reassigned. Though, I’m honestly surprised […]

The post Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years Review appeared first on The Whiskey Jug.

Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years is one of the OG Glenmo core offerings that didn’t make it when LVMH took over. Though its soul lives on in all of the many, and varied, red-wine finished single malts in their portfolio. I guess, in a way, you could say it was reassigned.

Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years Review

Though, I’m honestly surprised it didn’t make it. I know Dr. Bill is a big fan of wine, especially French wine, and he works closely with amazing wine producers. I get that Quinta Ruban was needed to really stand out and was a favorite in the market. And as a Scotch maker, you pretty much HAVE to have an ex-sherry release, but I don’t understand why this wasn’t kept as a truly unique offering.

Honestly, I’d rather have a 12 yo version of this as a core release than the Nectar D’ Or. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy NDO, it’s great, but when it comes to core offerings of Single Malt Scotch, pure red wine cask finishes are missing, but we know they can be awesome.

But maybe this one sounds better than it tastes and it was pulled. With releases like this, the quality and quantity of casks always play into what can be a core offering. Only one way to find out.

Let’s get to drinkin’.


Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years – Details and Tasting Notes

 

Whiskey Details

Natural Color

Style: Single Malt (Scotch)
Region: Highlands, Scotland
Distiller: Glenmorangie

Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 43%

Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller (originally $46)

Related Whiskey

Glenmorangie The Original 10 years
X by Glenmorangie
Glenmorangie Nectar D’ Or 12 Years
Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Years
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 Years

White background tasting shot with the Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years sample bottle.
“Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood Finish Malt Whisky was initially aged in American oak casks then racked into Burgundy casks from the Cote D’Or for extra aging in the final period of its maturation. The results are truly exceptional.” – Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years Tasting Notes

EYE
Ruddy honey

NOSE
Winey sweet, cereal grain and malty sweet, vanilla taffy with some toasted pastry and raisiny dried dark fruit with a hint of copper.

Not the most complex Glenmo, or wine-fininshed whisky, I’ve had. It’s ok, just super light.

PALATE
Winey sweet, malty sweet, oak, vanilla taffy, toasted pastries and a light nuttiness with some raisny dried dark fruit and copper hint.

Again, not super deep or complex, just super light. It gets a tad earthy as it opens, but never passes being “just ok”.

FINISH
Medium-short -> Raisniny dried dark fruit, malt, cinnamon and oak with a toasted note.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Ok balanced, medium-light body and a soft lightly dry feel.


Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years – Overall Thoughts and Score

During the intro I mused about wondering why LVMH didn’t keep this one when they took over and I think we found out why: it’s just ok. I know Dr. Bill can do wonders with ex-Wine casks, so I know he could have revamped it, but maybe it would have taken too long? Maybe the quantity of wine casks was too much effort? Maybe they wanted to only use wine in special releases? Who knows?

Well, Dr. Bill, the accountants and the marketing team know, but you get what I mean. They had their reasons and based on the one we drank, those reasons were valid. However, if you see a Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years in the wild it’s definitely worth picking up if it’s at a not-insane price. It’s a nice piece of recent Glenmo history.

SCORE: 3/5 (above average, worth checking out ~ B- | 80-82)

Thanks to Travis for the sample.

Glenmorangie Burgundy Wood 12 Years Label

Overall
3
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