Glenmorangie has just released number 8 in its Private Edition series, BACALTA is a bourbon matured whisky finished in the finest Madeira casks.  The casks used to finish this latest release are  exclusively created for Dr Bill Lumsden ( The Glenmorangie   Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks ) the casks have been made using tight grained, air seasoned American oak,  The casks are then heavily toasted before filling with the finest Malmsey Madeira and left to for a period of 2 years in the heat before being emptied and shipped to Scotland to be filled with specially selected casks of around 10yo bourbon matured whisky for the “finishing” period..

Dr Bill Lumsden said when asked about this release..

“For years I had longed to create the best Madeira-finished whisky possible. Realising that ambition took time and dedication, as every step of extra-maturation was tailored exactly to our specifications – rather like haute couture. Connoisseurs will recognise the radiating warmth of our bespoke sun-baked casks in Glenmorangie Bacalta’s aromas of ripe apricots, white chocolate and mineral notes. There are complex tastes of mint toffee, baked fruits, honeycomb, almonds and dates, mingling with marzipan, white pepper and melon – and a rich, syrupy finish. Glenmorangie Bacalta is a burst of sunshine in a glass.”

Bottled at 46% abv, this is NCF and Natural colour.

Nose.. This starts off with an initial burst of sweetness, lots of toffee, caramel and natural sweetness, candied orange, poached pear and plums covered in fresh heather honey. Freshly squeezed grape and apple juice, fruit salad with naturally sweet juices. A subtle hint of oak and delicate spices can be found hiding in the background.

Palate.. o ok.. The  spice that lurks in the background just bursts onto the scene, hints of ginger and cinnamon along with marzipan ( think sugar coated almonds ) just coat every inch of your mouth before a more fresh fruity note muscles in, hints of apple, grape, plums and sticky toffee sauce just finish this off.

Finish.. Oaky and spicy till the very end..

Thoughts.. This offering is going to split thoughts again.. The  nose is succulent and full of sexy sweet notes, it seduces you into  wanting, no needing to take a sip.. You take your sip and wham it’s a spicy beast in disguise.. The sweetness does arrive and it does deliver but you still know that spicy, oaky beast will return.. I am not sure this is a typical Madeira cask type of whisky but it certainly intrigued me enough to want more, It is kind of like a jeckyl and Hyde whisky.. One that you might need to try a few times in order to fall in love with. But don’t give up on it too soon..

I would like to thank Sophie from Quercus and Glenmorangie for this official sample..