The new Glenmorangie ‘Tusail’ is just around the corner (released already, and I shall review it shortly), but prior to that Glenmorangie released another Travel retail only expression by the name of “Dornoch”. It’s not surprising this is a NAS expression. Why Dornoch?
Glenmorangie is Gaelic for ‘the glen of tranquility’ and the Dornoch expression was inspired by the distillery’s peaceful setting on the banks of the Dornoch Firth in the Scottish Highlands.
This limited edition bottling is exclusively available in WDFG’s specialist World of Whiskies stores and its World Duty Free stores, in all 21 UK airports in which it operates.
To protect the environmental importance of its provenance, Glenmorangie has formed a partnership with the Marine Conservation Society. A donation from each bottle of Glenmorangie Dornoch sold in the travel retail sector will be made to the Marine Conservation Society to help sustain and protect this beautiful estuary beside the distillery for future generations, as well as helping to protect Scottish and UK seas more widely.
Dornoch is chill filtered and bottled at 43%ABV. Distribution will be extended across other European travel retail outlets from February 2015, with an RRP of £59.99.
So, it’s a nice initiative to protect nature, bla bla bla. let’s try it, shall we?
Glenmorangie Dornoch, 43% abv , £59.99 , Duty Free only
Nose: lots of ex bourbon notes here: coconut, vanilla and then citrus and sweet fresh dough before it goes into the oven. Some candied orange peel as well. A bit floral. Very easy on the nose.
Palate: Rather waxy and citrusy with quite some oak for a young whisky. A bit of pepper adds zing with a bit of time on the palate as you swirl it it’s getting malty and sweeter with hint of milk chocolate and marzipan.
Finish : Dry. Waxy and nutty. With a touch of bitter almonds and marzipan.
Bottom line:
This is not a bad whisky, actually it’s quiet nice, easy going, and a lovely sipper as a daily dram, but it does not bring anything new to the table. It would make a nice gift if you’re passing through the duty free and have a friend who’s a fan of Glenmorangie. Other than that, 43% chill filtered, and NAS , you can do better for almost 60 quid if you’re on the lookout for a daily dram. Nothing to write home about, but again, it’s well made as most Glenmorangies. Can’t deny that. Obviously this is not for the whisky geek. I hope the new Tusail with its Maris otter barley will be a bit more interesting.
Score: 82/100
Cheers to PS for the sample
Is this a wood finished Glenmorangie?
Nope.
After checking some other online sources, I just found out Dornoch was finished in ex-Amontillado Sherry casks.