Glenmorangie’s annual invitation to check out its Private Edition series – its award-winning collection of rare and limited-edition single malts, now in its 9^th iteration – was to showcase Glenmorangie Spìos, the first single malt whisky fully matured in American ex-rye whiskey casks.

Spìos (Scots Gaelic for ‘spice’ and pronounced ‘spee-oss’) recalls the heyday of American rye whiskey. Dr. Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, was inspired by the rye distilleries he visited when travelling to the United States in the 1990s, and intrigued by the subtle spicy character of American rye whiskey .

He was determined to one day bring a hint of American rye whiskey’s elegant past to a future Private Edition, and voila, we’ve got Spios, which is indeed spicy, but still elegant, subtle and a welcome addition to their Highland expressions.

Ever forward thinking, Dr. Lumsden sourced the finest first-fill casks from American rye whiskey’s heartland of Kentucky long ago, and arranged for these hand-selected oak casks to be shipped to the Glenmorangie Distillery.

Over the years, the rye casks began to bring their game to the sleeping spirits. The result is a full-bodied single malt whisky that invites rye’s subtleties to shine through.

[ 7 Things You Should Know About Glenmorangie Bacalta ]

“I have always loved American rye whiskey’s spicy character and believed our distillery’s smooth house style would perfectly complement the nuances of ex-rye casks. Glenmorangie Spìos is a full-bodied, savory single malt whisky, that recalls American rye whiskey’s golden age, which fittingly is beginning to regain its former popularity,” Dr. Bill Lumsden. 

[ Fun Fact: The packaging is inspired by ceiling tiles that decorated America’s most prestigious saloons during American rye whiskey’s heyday and contains elements from Glenmorangie’s icon, the Signet.]

Tasting Notes:

• Glenmorangie Spìos is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.
• Color: Haystack gold.
• Aroma: Fresh, herbaceous, hints of cherry, clove and mint toffee. A splash of water releases more perfumed, ‘ethereal’ notes, crisp, clean and fresh, with myriad herbal notes.
• Taste: Spicy texture, with toffee, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet, buttery vanilla taste.
• Finish: Rich, sweet and lingering, with fudge, toffee, brazil nut and tangy citrus.

Like this? Here’s Your Whisky Bucket list – Now Go!

Like this? Here Are Some Serious Spirits You Should Go Bid For

11