Glenmorangie Duthac weirdly came into existence without any PR campaign, or anything by Glenmorangie, which is rather odd. Usualy there’s quite a big fuss when a new expression comes out in the LVMH group. I first heard about it from a blog reader who asked me if I had heard about it (he works in the TLV duty free), and I was quite dumfounded, it slipped under my (and other’s) radar.
AS it turns out the Duthac has arrived to the Israeli Duty free (yes, Israel has only ONE international airport, as surprising as it may sounds) recently, and is sold for $115 (yes, 115 US dollars!, it’s not very cheap is it?).
Official PR blabber goes like that:
At the center of the Royal Burgh of Tain, Ross-shire, in the far north of Scotland where the Glenmorangie Distillery has stood proudly since 1843, lies the resting place of St Duthac. During the Middle Ages, the legends of his workings drew travellers from far and wide on pilgrimages to the ancient burgh.
A whisky fit for a King, this expression honors the annual pilgrimage made by King James IV to the shrine of St Duthac in Tain, and is part of Glenmorangie Legends – a collection of single malt whiskies exclusive to Travel Retail, inspired by the legendary lands that have been home to the Glenmorangie Distillery since 1843.
Basically this is a Non-age statement mixed of sherry casks and virgin oak, sold in 1 Liter bottles, and packaged quite nicely. Let’s see how it fares:
Glenmorangie Duthac , 43 % abv , $115 
Nose: The nose is very nice, and appealing with sweet notes of fruit (pear, apple strudel) and Oloroso sherry, with some toffee and a nutty edge. It’s not very complex, but it’s rounded and very appealing, to both novice and seasoned whisky drinkers. Vanilla galore, as well as some spice, and white pepper.
Palate: Feels oily and mouth coating, which gives it some points here, again it’s sweet, fruity (apricots) , very sweet with milk chocolate, toffee, and sherry notes, getting spicy towards the end with the white pepper and maybe ginger powder. Very easy drinking, until the spicy end, it is very moreish, and appealing. velvety and nice. Don’t expect lots of layers and complexity here, it’s really a palate pleaser.
Finish: Sweet, spicy, vanilla with some fruit.
Bottom line:
This is a very nice TR edition. It’s very approachable, and even though it’s not complex, it does make for a very pleasant drop. Novices will find it appealing, and seasoned drinkers will appreciate the fact that it’s well made, and although sweeter than some would prefer, well integrated. Glenmorangie creates good whiskies, and this one is no Exception. The only Con I can find against this whisky, is the price. at $115 at the TLV duty free, it’s not cheap, for what it is : a pleasant young NAS. I’m told it’s been selling quite well here in recent weeks, even without any advertising, so I guess the Glenmorangie brand sits well with the Travel Retail crowd.
Buy 2 and get the 3rd free in TLV duty free. Brings the price down to $77.33. Not a bad price for a litre bottle. All you need now is to find 2 friends.
that’s a good idea. at 77 it’s a very good price for 1 liter
I tasted this at the Edinburgh airport and fell in love with it. I immediately pictured myself sitting in front of the fireplace, the candles are lit, my feet are up and I am enjoying this lovely whisky. It is smooth, it doesn’t bite, it just goes down like velvet. I am doing a Scotch tasting with friends and this will be the first one I will have them sample as it is a great introduction, especially for those who haven’t quite come over to the Scotch side of the bar yet. I paid about $90USD for a one liter bottle in June 2015.