Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old

The Private Collection from Glenmorangie consists of the Sonnalta Px (hard to find these days), the Finealta and the Artein. This month, the fourth has arrived: the Ealanta (which is Gaelic for elegant). But I still have to publish my notes for the Artein, so let us put the record straight. It is composed of two thirds of a 15 year old Glenmo and one third of 21 year old, matured on bourbon casks, before getting a finish on Super Tuscan wine casks. Artein means stone.

The nose immediately reveals the red wine. Blueberries, sultanas, peach and orange peel, surrounded by chocolate and coconut. Fresh mint and even cappuccino. Some orange liqueur like Contreau. Hints of spent matches (no, this is not a eufimism for sulphur).

It is honeysweet and syrupy on the palate, with the oranges rearing their heads first. Like I said: Contreau. Slightly bitter, but very much alive. Then it turns a bit tropical with apricots and peach. Very zesty. Mint returns. So does chocolate. Very peppery by the way.

The finish is medium long, very sweet on oranges and remains spicy with liquorice on the deathbed.

Wine finishes are usually hit and miss, but I find this one successful. Depending on where you shop, you will have to fork over between 70 and 100 EUR for a bottle.

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