Glenmorangie The Lasanta 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distillery Background and History

Glenmorangie Distillery, founded in 1843 in Tain, Ross‑shire, is renowned for its towering 26‑ft stills and innovative cask finishes. Now part of LVMH, it’s Scotland’s most awarded Highland distillery and celebrated for combining heritage with creative maturation techniques  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Led by Dr Bill Lumsden as Director of Whisky Creation, Glenmorangie integrates traditional Highland distillation with artistic cask experimentation. Lasanta—whose Gaelic name means “warmth and passion”—reflects his philosophy by marrying delicate spirit with rich sherry influence  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

This expression is crafted from 100 % Highland‑grown malted barley, using pure Tarlogie Spring water and proprietary yeast strains that enhance the distillery’s signature fruit‑floral character  .

Distillation Process

Double‑distilled in the famous giraffe‑high copper pot stills (“Sixteen Men of Tain”), with tall necks that promote high reflux and yield an elegant, aromatic spirit. The whisky is non‑chill filtered to retain natural oils and texture  .

Maturation & Cask Information

Age-stated 12 years: aged for 10 years in ex‑bourbon American oak, then finished for 2 years in Oloroso sherry casks. Some earlier bottlings were at 46% ABV, but current releases are 43%  .

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Raisins, honeycomb, chocolate‑covered hazelnuts, warm spices, and caramel toffee  .

• Palate: Creamy raisin sweetness, orange segments, walnuts, buttery caramel, and toasted oak  .

• Finish: Long, with spiced orange, dark chocolate, gentle oak tannins, and warming spice  .

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts, berry‑based tarts, nutty pastries, mature cheeses (e.g., Stilton or Gouda), and smoked salmon appetizers to complement its sweet‑spice profile  .

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a drop of water at 18–20 °C, using a Glencairn or tulip glass. Let it rest for 10 minutes to fully release its aromatic depth ().

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. Unopened bottles remain stable for years. Once opened, the whisky retains its profile over time; further mellowing in the bottle is minimal ().

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single malt Scotch—100 % malted barley from Glenmorangie’s regional supply chain  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

43 % ABV (latest bottlings)  .

Scores

• 92 – Whisky Advocate (15-year edition)