Glenmorangie Lasanta Sherry Cask Finish 12 Year

Sherried Scotch can be a gamble for me. I've enjoyed some exceptional ones, particularly Islay whiskies aged in Amoroso or PX casks, such as the Talisker Distiller's Edition and Laphroaig's 2021 Cairdeas. However, Macallan hasn't impressed me. Rumor has it they were once an outstanding distillery but now rely on past prestige and product placement in spy films. Both the Macallan 12 Double Oak and Macallan 12 were mediocre. A sherry-finished Tamnavulin double cask was the second-worst whisky I've ever had, surpassed only by Jim Beam White, which I consider a bottom-shelf choice for getting intoxicated. Unlike Jim Beam, which makes no pretense, the Tamnavulin apparently received awards. At $35, it wasn't a total loss; I used it in cocktails until it was gone. My point is, I approach sherried Scotches with caution. Conversely, I'm a fan of Glenmorangie. I've enjoyed everything from their standard 10 Year to the now-discontinued 12-year-old Quinta Ruban, its current 14-year-old iteration, and the Cadboll 15. While they don't excite me like an Islay, I'd never refuse one and often purchase them when in the mood. The La Santa might be my favorite of the range, though I hear the 18 is excellent, it's beyond my budget. The sherry aroma here is quite pleasant. Unlike the Tamnavulin's artificial and off-putting scent, this has a nice cherry maraschino aroma with a subtle hint of balsamic vinegar and an almost hoagie dressing-like oiliness that, while unusual, is not unpleasant. Dried fruits, especially dates, are prominent and add a welcome note. What I appreciate here, unlike my recollection of Macallan sherried Scotches, is that Macallan tends to be overly dry and pungent. This characteristic carries over to the palate, where the wood flavors in the double oak excessively overpower the sweetness. Here, the oak contributes a nutty, spicy quality, reminiscent of trail mix. You get dried fruits, possibly raisins, with a hint of milk chocolate and nuttiness, blending harmoniously. For $30 less than a Macallan of the same age statement, it makes me question why anyone would choose the latter unless aiming for a James Bond persona. The cherry note returns pleasantly, mingling with spices in the finish for a satisfying overall experience. It's interesting; looking back, I rated the Glenmorangie 14 Quinta a 4.25, which might be a bit generous, as I prefer the LaSanta, rating it a 4.00. I also gave the Cadboll a 4.25, and I like this one better, though they are all quite similar. Without a side-by-side comparison, it's more a matter of present experience versus memory. Regardless of whether you choose the 12, 14, or 15, the base whisky is solid. The difference between the 12 and 14 lies in the finish, while the 15 likely differs in its grain composition. In my opinion, Glenmorangie is a reliable choice, and I stand by that. I never reviewed the 10, which is a significant oversight. I've had it recently since joining this site, so its neglect is puzzling. I'd rate it a 3.75, representing great value for money. If you haven't explored Glenmorangie, I highly recommend it; they are an underrated gem. You don't think of them first, but they consistently deliver a satisfying drink. Unfortunately, the price of this bottle has increased since my last purchase, from $54.99 to $64.99, which might mean this is my last time enjoying it. It's disappointing when distilleries raise prices, especially by $10 or more, as it feels like pure greed.

Nose: Warm apple pie drizzled with manuka honey, milk chocolate with rum and raisins, orange liqueur, vanilla, and plum tart. An universally appealing aroma. Taste: A smooth, silken, refined entry dominated by supple barley sugar, butterscotch, and toffee. Sweet cream sherry and dark cherries. The texture is silky, creamy, and substantial. Finish: Short to medium. Subtle sweetness with malted grain and fruit compote being the main highlights. This is a prime example of a straightforward, sherry-finished whisky with a sweet character. It's incredibly easy to enjoy and universally liked. Certainly, numerous single malts offer more intense character, greater refinement, or a more aged profile, but this is a crowd-pleaser that even a connoisseur can appreciate. Or perhaps, it's more accurate to say the whisky embraces you – much like settling into your favorite armchair on a chilly day, enveloped in your most comfortable sweater. This tasting was from a bottle of Lasanta 12 purchased in 2012 (bottle code L12 340). I acquired three bottles then and have just opened the final one today. I haven't sampled any Lasanta 12 bottled in the past 14 years, so keep in mind that current expressions might differ slightly. However, considering the consistency of Glenmorangie spirits, the notes above are likely still relevant. A reliable, reasonably priced, good value single malt. "Good": 83/100 (3.5 stars)

If the moniker implies heat and fervor, then this delivers at least one of those – you decide. To my palate, this is a quintessential example of a Sherry whisky. It's not the absolute pinnacle, but it perfectly embodies the essence of what a typical Sherry whisky is. The aroma presented a strong nutty character, reminiscent of raw, peeled almonds alongside intense notes of dried red fruits. On the tongue, it felt exceptionally viscous, akin to blueberry oil (hypothetically speaking), with a subtle spicy undertone, a touch of spicy malt, sweet bitterness, and a recurrence of dried blueberry. The conclusion isn't remarkably enduring, but once more, it's a valuable spirit for defining "what is a Sherry whisky?".

A refined Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Glenmorangie Distillery in Highland, Scotland. It was matured for at least 10 years in American white oak ex-Bourbon barrels and then completed for 2 years in Oloroso & PX sherry barrels. It starts with a fragrant introduction of grain, citrus, dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Its full and smooth body offers malt, chocolate, butter toffee, orange, walnut, and hazelnut. The finish is well-rounded and of moderate duration, presenting ginger, vanilla ice cream, Sherry, and oak. December 2021 / January / August / November 2022

The 12 year LaSanta offers a more intricate variation on the standard 10 year, possessing a deeper, more intense hue. Unlike the 10 year's golden tones, the LaSanta presents a reddish-brown shade, likely a consequence of sherry cask maturation. The aroma primarily revealed hints of desiccated fruit and cocoa. Upon tasting, the initial sensations were creamy and savory. The conclusion revisits the dried fruit and baking spice profile, evoking the sensation of having just enjoyed a freshly baked raisin spice cake.

Overall: 3.0 Smell: Smooth and sweet. Not like actual boiled brown sugar, but a rich aroma reminiscent of syrup, like a finished product based on brown sugar. Also smells of grapes. Taste: A bit salty and spicy. A strong sherry aroma is present. A subtle musty scent lingers. Aftertaste: Dry, light, and nutty.