Glenmorangie stands beside the Dornoch Firth in Ross-shire, in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. It has long been admired for the delicacy and complexity of its spirit and for a spirit of enquiry that has made it one of the great innovators of the modern Scotch industry.
A History of the Distillery
Glenmorangie was established at Morangie Farm near the town of Tain in 1843 when William Matheson converted an existing brewery into a distillery. The name is believed to derive from the Gaelic Gleann Mòr na Sìth, meaning the valley of tranquillity. From its earliest years the distillery drew water from the Tarlogie Springs, a mineral-rich source above the town, and this water has been central to the character of the whisky ever since.
Traditional Production Methods
Glenmorangie possesses the tallest pot stills in Scotland, standing at 5.14 metres — precisely, as the distillery is fond of noting, the height of a fully grown giraffe. Only the very lightest vapours make the ascent, producing a spirit of unusual purity. The 18 year old expression is matured for fifteen years in ex-bourbon American white oak casks and then extra-matured for a further three years in Oloroso sherry casks from Spain before final marrying.
In the long, quiet ascent of vapour through the tallest stills in Scotland, Glenmorangie discovers its particular refinement.
Historical Importance
Glenmorangie was a pioneer of the wood-finishing concept in the Scotch whisky industry, experimenting with different cask types decades before the practice became widespread. Its scientific approach to wood and spirit has been influential across the whole modern industry.
Historical Curiosities
The land around the Tarlogie Springs is conserved as part of the distillery's estate and is grazed by a small herd of Highland cattle. Each individual bottle of the 18 year old is inspected by hand before it leaves the distillery.
International Recognition
Glenmorangie 18 is widely regarded as one of the most refined Highland single malts and has been decorated at the International Wine and Spirit Competition and the World Whiskies Awards.
