“The
Sulphured Armada”
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Brand: Glenmorangie The Tayne
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Age: NAS
Chill-Filtration: Yes
Chill-Filtration: Yes
ABV: 43%
Whisky Review # 555
Whisky Review # 555
Colour: Light Mahogany (Artificially Coloured)
Nose: The Sherry Cask influence is clear and I detect some Sulphur as well. Be sure to give the Tayne sufficient time in the glass. This helps to diminish the Sulphur notes. I know many people who are not bothered at all by the Sulphur but I'm not one of them. The Tayne is a relatively young Whisky but the casks have supplied sufficient Aromas to make it interesting. I find Toasted Cereals, Butter Kekse (German Butter Biscuits), Dried Fruit (Raisins, Sultanas, Apricot, Figs), Dark Red Fruit, Assorted Nuts, Demerara Sugar, light Vanilla, Coffee with Milk, Honey, Butterscotch, Toffee, Canned Pineapple and light Herbs and Spices. The Glenmorangie Oranges appear but they quietly remain in the background. The Alcohol is there but it is sufficiently integrated with the other Aromas. After 15 minutes or so I find some Floral notes as well. On the Nose, the Tayne does not really disappoint but there is a certain "Middle of the Road" feeling to it.
Taste: Mainly Sweet but also with a light Bitterness. The Sulphur is bothering me again I'm afraid. It's more Spicy than the Nose would let you to believe and the characteristic Orange notes come through now as well. I also find Toffee, Caramel, light Vanilla, Butterscotch, Demerara Sugar, Coffee with Milk, Dried Fruits and Nuts, Oak, Papaya Cream, Ginger and Pepper.
Finish: Quite Long and mainly Sweet. More Dry and a little Spicy towards the end when a light Bitterness appears. The Orange Peel is quite noticeable by now. I also find the Dried Fruits and Nuts from the Nose as well as some Toffee, Butterscotch, Malt, Milk Chocolate, Caramel, Espresso, Oak, Sugar Soaked Ginger, Pepper and Clove.
I added a few drops of Water and on the Nose the Malt and Dried Fruits take control. The Water also takes out most of the Sulphur Aromas. On the Palate the Sulphur retreats as well and I also get some extra Tropical Fruit. The Finish becomes Short and too Bitter for my taste. There is room for a little Water but use it carefully.
Rating: 83
Nose: 20.5 - Taste: 20.5 - Finish: 21 - Overall: 21
General Remarks: Glenmorangie was founded in 1843 by William Mathesen. A nice Visitor Centre was opened in 1994 and a museum followed in 1997. Since 2004 it is owned by Moet-Hennessy. Glenmorangie has always been one of the pioneers to experiment with different Wood Finishes.
The Tayne was launched early this year as part of a new Glenmorangie Series, initially only available in the Travel Retail Shops. As of March of this year it is widely available though. The price is usually in the 70-90 US Dollar range (September 2016). This is the story behind the Tayne as you can find it on the Web Site of the Distillery:
"Legend has it that just offshore from our Distillery (Firth of Tayne) is the shipwreck of a 16th Century Spanish Galleon. Once loaded with treasure, it is one of many ships lost when the Spanish Armada fled from the English Navy round the Scottish coast.
Glenmorangie Tayne captures this tale and is something of a Spanish treasure itself, having been aged in carefully selected Amontillado Sherry casks, a rarely seen finish in the world of whisky."
Drinking Experience Neat: Good, except for the Sulphur.
Conclusion: The Ex-Amontillado casks have provided just enough Aromas and Flavours to the Glenmorangie Spirit to justify the release of The Tayne. It's a pity that the Sulphur is part of the deal. The Tayne is not a Sherry Bomb mind you. It simply is too Young for that. But if you like an easy drinking Middle of the Road Sherried Highlander, the Tayne might be an interesting alternative although the price is certainly too high. The Tayne is certainly meant to be a crowd pleaser and I can see why. But don't expect too much character and depth. And stay away from it if you're allergic to Sulphur!
Jan van den Ende September 1, 2016
