Dancing with jasmine, geranium and narcissus, Glenmorangie 18 Years Old’s fragrant bouquet has inspired a unique collaboration with botanical sculptor Azuma Makoto.
Comparing the rare Highland single malt Scotch whisky’s luscious, floral notes to a flower in bloom, Azuma Makoto celebrates it's unfolding radiance in a stunning limited-edition design, showcasing his masterpiece Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie. This moving sculpture, featuring almost 100 different blooms, reimagines the whisky through the language of flowers, and has inspired a unique collaboration with botanical sculptor Azuma Makoto.
When he first tasted Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, Azuma Makoto was struck by how the whisky’s floral notes danced on the tongue. Delighting in it's notes of honeysuckle, sweet pea, jasmine and geranium entwined with dried fruits and honey, he decided to translate the single malt’s flavours into flowers. First sketching his ideas, Azuma Makoto then created a floral artwork in his studio, in Tokyo, Japan. Comprising almost 100 blooms, it includes those he scented in the whisky, Scottish blooms and flowers from the many countries where Glenmorangie is enjoyed. Azuma Makoto then drifted petals, confetti-like, over the work as it was photographed and filmed. His sculpture, Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie, is showcased on the whisky’s giftbox and labels.
Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is one of Glenmorangie’s most delicious single malts, enjoyed by whisky lovers old and new. Dreamed up by it's endlessly imaginative whisky creators, Glenmorangie 18 Years Old begins with their delicate, fruity spirit, crafted in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma. Next they age this spirit in bourbon casks for 15 years, then transfer a portion into Oloroso sherry casks for three more years. After 18 years, these casks are reunited to create the single malt whisky’s dazzling, luminous tastes.
Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, said: “Azuma Makoto’s stunning work deliciously translates the sweet, floral lushness of Glenmorangie 18 Years Old. A mere glimpse of his limited edition design brings to mind the whisky’s scents of geranium, tuberose and jasmine, and tastes of honeysuckle and sweet pea, figs and nuts. Since it looks as wonderful as it tastes, this limited edition is sure to delight whisky lovers old and new.”
Azuma Makoto said: “When I first tasted Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, each sip of the whisky unfurled as if it was a flower in bloom. I could taste so many blossoms dancing on my tongue, that I was inspired to reimagine the whisky in Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie. I hope that through this limited edition design, my work brings as much joy as the delicious tastes which inspired it.”
Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is bottled at 43% ABV
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Rich, rounded and sweet with dried fruits and a complex floral fragrance. Initially, the aroma has nutty, caramel and vanilla overtones followed by hints of walnuts, honeycomb and dates. Complex floral notes emerge with geranium, jasmine and narcissus. With water, deep oak notes are released, revealing a balsamic character, softened by vanilla. The hallmark Glenmorangie fruity complexity emerges as rich apricots and dates, interwoven with hazelnuts.
Taste: The mouthfeel is silky, smooth and rounded with a full flavour. The taste is beautifully balanced between the flavours of honey, malt and flowery scents, followed by Oloroso nuttiness such as hazelnuts and walnuts. Dates and figs emerge in the background with a hint of wood smoke.
Finish: The finish is long and enticing, with the sweetness of dried fruit and subtle dryness of Oloroso nuttiness.
Glenmorangie 18 Years Old has recently been awarded a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021, and a Gold Award at the International Spirits Challenge 2021.
This unique bottle goes on sale from November 1st. For more information visit www.glenmorangie.com
Slán go foill,
Danny