For years, this whisky was one of my “secret weapons” of a sort…
The first time I ever sampled Glenmorangie’s golden nectar, was many years ago when a bonus sample bottle of the stuff was included in the carton of the standard 10 year old bottling. That first taste told me a lot – especially that it was a delicious expression that I estimated would be appealing to a number of my dramming pals.
We’ll imagine my surprise – here’s where the “secret weapon” part comes in – when I discovered that a full 750 mL bottle of this Sauternes-finished whisky came in a beautiful, display-type carton and that the price tag was still relatively in line with other quality 12 year old single malts! It almost seemed too good too good to be true and I knew that I had a go-to gifting whisky… one that would immediately impress most of my beginner and novice scotch-drinking pals but also one that they would enjoy consuming.
Over the years, I’ve gifted more bottles of this whiskey than I can count on both hands and it has been a hit each time. Surprisingly, however, I think I’ve only purchased it for myself a couple of times, despite really appreciating the malt. We’ll, that changed recently when I decided to treat myself and, while perusing the scotch section at one of my favourite bottle shops, I saw Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or in regular old run-of-the-mill cardboard cartons! I was dismayed, knowing my old-faithful gifting whisky had taken a small step backward in terms of the “wow-factor” packaging. However, as my gaze drifted around and toward the uppermost shelf, I noticed one last familiar, beautiful carton…
I bought myself this gift for roughly $90 CAD and the whisky inside is bottled at 46% abv.
To the Eye
Deep, rich gold with flashes of both brighter and darker gold… it looks very much like Cuban honey. (And many other honeys, for that matter!) A twist of my Glencairn produces moderate legs.
In the Nose
Immediately spicy but not pungent, it reminds me of a how bouquet of lilies scents a room. Nutmeg and cardamom, peppercorns, orange marmalade and a subtly tropical aroma as well. Time in the glass reveals a biscuity shortbread sensation as well.
On the Tongue
That cardamom aroma comes through on the palate in a very distinct way for me, kind of similar to many other baking spices yet distinct in a uniquely floral way. Honeycomb and citrus pith and a slight hint of fresh lemon zest. There is also delightful, slightly bitter nuttiness that leaves me indecisive whether it’s leaning closer to almonds or walnuts. Oak is gentle, but it’s there.
The finish is long! Some of those spices stick around with a bit of cocoa powder. Lingering citrus and oak fades into to an awesome slate, mineral-like quality. In some ways I’m left contemplating Grappa, or maybe a very dry white wine… whatever it is, there a certain grape-ness about it.
Final Thoughts
For me, few whiskies remain as composed from nose to finish as the Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or. It’s never overly complex but also never boring… it’s just flat-out delicious! Even though it appears that the stepped-up presentation is a thing of the past, this is definitely still a dram that I will feel confident to present as a gift and one I will continue to enjoy myself!
A Dram or 2 