Glenmorangie The Accord 12 Year

This is one of those bottles I frequently see at auctions but have never purchased: Glenmorangie The Accord, a 12-year-old single malt aged in bourbon and sherry casks. The reason for its name, "the accord," is unclear to me. Bottled at 43% ABV, it has a tawny hue. The nose initially seems a bit harsh and nutty but improves after aeration. Hazelnut, nutmeg, sawdust. Very oak-forward with red wine notes. Vanilla fudge. After two minutes, it evolves into raisin aromas. It has slightly rough edges, with grape notes. Fig notes appear on the nose after a few sips. The nose carries bitter oak characteristics. The palate begins very oaky, but citrusy and acidic flavors are also present, such as gooseberries. It tastes woody. The second sip is dominated by figs, offering a pleasant secondary taste. The oakiness remains noticeable after several sips. The finish is also quite woody/oaky, with a sawdust impression. It's very dry, with oak spice. In summary, this travel retail exclusive is an average whisky. You wouldn't be overly disappointed to purchase it for casual drinking with friends. It's neither exceptionally special nor complex; the sherry influence has somewhat muted this single malt, and the excessively oaky notes are dominant. My rating is 79 out of 100.

Sweetness, dried fruits, raisin, caramel, and vanilla are present in the aroma. The oloroso's impact is noticeable, suggesting the sherry casks employed were American oak rather than European. I detected no traces of spice. On the palate, it felt light, offering a fruit marmalade character. Dark chocolate, more caramel, cinnamon, and a brief to moderate finish followed. It's a solid whisky, resembling a less intricate and polished Glenmo 18, but with greater intensity.

From the December 1st advent box. Sampled straight up with a dear friend who included me in this incredible advent calendar! The aroma is very floral and fruity, presenting notes of vanilla, plum, and orange. The taste is spicy yet smooth, with flavors of fruit such as plums and dates. I cannot detect the cappuccino, but I hope every cappuccino was this delicious 🤣

Smell: Dried grapes, plums, apricots, maraschino cherries, raspberries, honey, pineapples, coconuts, dates Taste: Dark chocolate, mocha, dried grapes, plums, hazelnuts, nutmeg, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, grapefruit, quince Aftertaste: Grapefruit, dried grapes, honey, toffee, bananas, butterscotch, apricots, ginger, blood oranges, caramel

The aroma brings to mind sweet, dried figs and raisins. The palate offers a spicy, upfront fruitiness, with raisins, dried figs, and subtle vanilla notes in the background and finish. Hints of chocolate or cocoa emerge later in the finish.

Nose: Vanilla, raisins, caramel, oak, raspberry Palate: Nuts, raisins, intense sweetness Finish: Sweetness, oak, chocolate Considerably sweeter and less spicy than the Lasanta. I'm still enjoying it, though.