Glenmorangie Astar 2017 Edition

I'm providing a brief review here since I was at Whiskyfest DC on 4/17/18, and these will not be scored. I plan to revisit these spirits later for a more thorough assessment. This malt wasn't on the official list, so I grabbed a taste while discussing the new bottling with a brand representative. I agreed with his assessment upon tasting it. I found the original release to be exceptional, especially its aroma, about a month prior at a local bar. The 2017 version strives to replicate the original scent but falls slightly short, in my opinion. The palate was adequate, featuring ample oak and vanilla, similar to many other bottles from this distillery. It's quite smooth but lacks significant depth. While the aroma has complexity and floral notes, the palate doesn't quite deliver, unlike the wonderful 2008 version. This one performs well aromatically and has a respectable finish, but I wish the palate had more substance. Despite this, it's close to a 4-star pour and ranks among my preferred expressions from this distillery.

Nose - (without water) Rich vanilla, toasted coconut, buttery vanilla, caramel, vanilla cream, sharp sweet toffee (with water) Mostly the same, with a tiny addition of fresh cut anjou pears Taste - (without water) Rich vanilla, sweet spicy white pepper heat/warmth, buttery caramel & toffee syrup, light toasted/dried coconut flakes, faint bitterness but not unpleasant (with water) Less heat, appearance of pear & apples, vanilla cream caramels, toasted coconut flakes Finish - (without water) Lingering sharp sweet vanilla/toffee, white pepper heat, coconut flake sweetness (with water) Very little heat, very clean, nice pleasant apple/pear, vanilla cream caramel, wisp of fresh coconut Score - 87/100 Final Thoughts - This newer 2017 release (at least to me) tastes significantly different from their original 2008/2009 version in that this seems less fruit forward & more vanilla/cream/caramel forward. The biggest takeaway from this release is that the typical fruity bitterness I get from the base spirit is gone & that's what typically is off putting to me for most of the releases. A tiny bit of water really enhances & opens this up and makes it a much more enjoyable experience. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe

The aroma is of musty wood, honey, dried orchard fruits, nutmeg, wax beans, aloe vera, and hints of vanilla, caramel, and banana taffy. This musty dryness is quite distinctive, especially for Glenmorangie. I have never encountered it in any other Glenmo; it would be immediately noticeable in a blind tasting. PALATE Musty oak, honey, dried orchard fruit, nutmeg, wax beans, aloe vera and touches of vanilla, caramel and banana taffy. This is an exact replica of the scent. It rarely happens, but I detect no significant difference between the two. The palate may be slightly sweeter (fruitier), but that's all. FINISH Medium -> Musty oak, dried orchard fruit, malt and caramel.

This is another discount find where I believe I paid $60 for it. Though I think this typically retails around $100. Nose - Vanilla custard...very dessert-like. Perhaps some marmalade. Very simple and very sweet. Taste - I get a lot of American oak. To the point where you could tell me this was finished in fresh oak (I know it wasn't). There's some nice creme brulee finish. This is soft and sweet oak and vanilla. A bit of char and maybe a hint of milk chocolate (like the chocolate milk mixes). A perfectly fine, sweet, oaky, vanilla whisky. I'm giving it 2 stars because I like the mouthfeel and ABV. There's not much going on here beyond being a nice sweet dessert whisky.

Second tasting notes: hints of peach and stone fruit, with a minty herbal quality. It's better than I recall, but 4.25 seems appropriate. The bourbon influence is strong, and the barley notes are prominent. While it's a high proof for Glenmorangie, they've produced a commendable spirit. Peaches and cream are dominant, overlaid with an earthy characteristic associated with the distillery. Beyond that, there are faint citrus notes, but not a great deal of depth. It's an enjoyable drink that is smoother than its alcohol content suggests and presents its limited flavors well.

Sample from the Drammers Club. Quite good. Nose: Vanilla, Honey, Orange, Passion Fruit, Mango, Pineapple, Caramel, Papaya, Banana, Pear, Coconut, Almonds, Walnuts, Juicy Fruit Gum, Raspberries, Lavender Palate: Vanilla, Honey, Caramel, Banana, Coconut, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Mango, Apricot, Sultanas, Cherries, Lime Finish: Passion Fruit, Mango, Vanilla, Honey, Lavender, Caramel, Pears