Glenmorangie
Translation: Valley of deep calm
Region: (Northern) Highlands
Why you can not count to 17 at Glenmorangie.
For generations, Whiskey at Glenmorangie has traditionally been made by 16 men. The "16 Men of Tain" (who of course changed over time, because one is not immortal even with Glenmorangie) are now legend and are often cited in advertising. Even songs were named after them.
Only: Glenmorangie has become over time the most drunk malt in Scotland and internationally very successful. The distillery has grown. Nevertheless, for the sake of tradition, one sticks to the number 16. However, this only applies to the employees directly involved in the firing process. And one of the "16 Men of Tain" is a woman today ...
A little history
The distillery was founded in 1843 by William Matheson with used stills from the gin production. Previously, a brewery was at home in the distillery's buildings. Already in 1880 whiskey was exported to Italy and the USA. In 1887, Glenmorangie Distillery Co., Ltd. was founded. founded in 1918 by MacDonald & Muir.
From 1931-1936 and 1941-1944 Glenmorangie was closed.
In 1980 two new stills were installed, in 1990 another four. Today, with eight pot and eight wash stills, it produces the best selling malt scotland.
Since 2004 the company belongs LVMH. The French group took over the shares of the McDonald family, which withdrew after more than 160 years from the whiskey business.
What do I actually have in the glass?
The stills of Glenmorangie are extremely slim and with 5.14 meters the highest in the whole of Scotland. And here's the often quoted formula, higher pot stills would make light, slender whiskeys. The malts from Tain are actually rather flowery, mild and gentle, with delicate vanilla notes.
3 reasons to love Glenmorangie
1) Because 5 million Scots can not be wrong.
2) Because the "16 Men of Tain" have been busy for so long.
3) Because a "valley of deep calm" is undoubtedly endearing.
The one drama for the lonely island
The 12-year-old "Nectar D'or", maturing in Sauternes barrels, is wonderfully soft yet multi-layered.
numbers and facts
Address: Tain, Ross-shire, IV19 1PZ
Founded: 1843 by William Matheson
Status: active
Owner: LVMH (Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton)
Capacity: about 9,000,000 liters
8 wash stills (11,400 l)
8 spirit stills (8.200 l)
Water: Springs in the Tarlogie Hills
Visitor Center: Yes
Telephone: +44 (0) 1862/892477
Website: www.glenmorangie.com