Whisky: Glenmorangie “The Lasanta” sampled 9-6-2010

Complexity: Standard

type: 12 yo (10 years in White American Oak and 2 years in Oloroso Sherry casks), 46% ABV, Non-Chill Filtered

Appearance: Full Gold to Old Sauternes, thin medium slow-moving tears and no impurities are detected.

Aroma:  2 years in Oloroso Casks have definitely made their mark on this whisky.  The expressive sweetness I have come to find with the Glenmorangie Original expression is somewhat deadened and in its place is Sherry.  Drops of honey play around a present raisin  and slightly crisp apple.  The interplay of the different casks has also made the wood elements come through a bit more, not necessarily complimenting the whisky.

Taste:  slightly oily and mouth coating with an almost greasy aspect I am assuming comes from the Sherry casks, but very entertaining.  The whispering sweetness of the nose has fallen even more in the mouth and it has become a much more dry expression of whisky.  The very distinct Sherry wants to cover up the honey and notes of chocolate, but they make their way through with a hint of salt.  Disappointingly towards the end sulfur peaks its head through and leaves a bad impression.  Not overly complex yet it is smooth with only a slight touch of bitterness.

With Water:  the water definitely helps this whisky!  While it does not reveal any hidden elements, it very much helps differentiate those already established.  The drops of honey gain depth and the chocolate goes from a mild milk to a tastier dark.  The sulfur is also calmed allowing for a more pleasant exit of the mouth!

Finish:  With the last thing in my mouth being an unpleasant sulfur the first thing I notice on the finish is the very dry and acerbic qualities of this drink.  Wood and Sherry play around and it is very drying with just a bit warmth.  And then it stops, not very complex or entertaining leaving me wanting in a bad way.

Verdict:  Possibly Again– It was not overly hard to pick out the aromas and flavors which was very welcome as it was tried early in my journal.  I also found this to be the first whisky I was not overly impressed with and did not think I would get it again.  On that note however, it was the first whisky I had which was finished in a different barrel to impart different flavors and I highly recommend this so you can experience that process.  The Sherry is very present and it adds a different element you might not think to look for.  I also admit I may have had a bad sample containing the sulfur elements, but even with that I would rather spend my money on another Scotch, even staying within the Glenmorangie expressions there are better ones to buy, which I will visit later!