Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate 15 Year (Batch #2)

I'm a big fan of Glenmorangie selections and usually find them fruity and light. This batch 2 from the Cadboll Estate is a surprising and intriguing change. Most of the palate has a bit of spicy warmth. It's not an herbal or alcohol heat, but the kind that makes your mouth and the insides of your cheeks tingle slightly. It's not unpleasant. The first taste is quite sweet, as anticipated from ex-bourbon casks. It tastes like creamy vanilla going down and leaves a lingering aftertaste that reminds me a little of a Werther's original. It's decent. Considering how scarce these Cadboll releases are, it's definitely worth buying a bottle to try for yourself.

Aroma is sweet vanilla, cinnamon and baking spices. Once it settles, stone fruits begin to emerge. The aroma is more balanced than typical Glenmorangie. The palate remains true to the baking spices, especially nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger. There's also some sweet shortbread, caramel and brown sugar. The finish was unexpectedly long and creamy with an almost buttery mouthfeel at the end. To me, this was a departure from Glenmorangie's signature notes and brightness. The age even seems longer than the stated 15 years. It reminds me of a well-aged Irish whiskey but with a more potent finish!

Color: is a straw to a light Caramel shade Aroma: The initial scent hits with vanilla and sherry, dark fruits with a wood note. Dates, figs and honey. Palate: a surprisingly viscous texture. It coats the mouth with vanilla, wood, and cherry almonds. The middle introduces a light white pepper spice along with brown spices. The finish is medium with a honey vanilla aftertaste. A splash of water reveals more floral notes and truly brings the vanilla forward. Overall a beautiful whisky, very velvety and mouth-coating, and mouth-watering. Easy sipping neat or with ice.

A smooth, single malt Scotch from Glenmorangie Distillery in Highland, Scotland, crafted by Dr. Bill Lumsden using barley from the Cadboll Estate and aged in new American White Oak ex-Bourbon barrels. It begins with an aroma of grain, wood, citrus, stone fruits, flowers & spices. Its rich & full body adds notes of orange, smooth vanilla candy, honeyed apricots, jasmine, heather, poached pears, lemon, cinnamon & ginger. The long & silky finish reveals notes of toasted oak & eucalyptus. January / August 2022

Appearance: light gold. Nose: vanilla, floral, stone fruit, apple cider. A subtle woodiness. Taste: starts with a smoky apple cider flavor, followed by some white pepper, then light earthy stone fruit and honey. Finishes with a sweet wood flavor combined with fruity honey and a hint of vanilla. Overall: begins juicy and sweet. The middle is dry and sophisticated, showcasing the oak. The finish is stimulating after the drier middle, sweet and sticky. It compels another sip. The lingering citrus is delightful.

The aroma and first taste align well with my expectations. It's a bit light and fruity with some creaminess. What doesn't work for me is the conclusion... It finishes with a white wine taste that isn't appealing to me. I'll try it again to confirm my taste buds were functioning correctly that night.