The seventh and latest entry to Glenmorangie’s Private Edition line is Milsean.  This limited edition non-age statement (NAS) expression, bottled at a healthy 46% abv, begins with Glenmorangie matured in ex-bourbon casks.  The whisky is then transferred to deeply toasted wine casks for a secondary maturation lasting several years.  Dr. Bill Lumsden, head of distilling and whisky creation for Glenmorangie, set out to make a whisky that reminded him of the sweets available in a traditional confectioner’s shop.  The packaging is even reminiscent of candy stripes.  Of the new expression, Lumsden said:

“A glass of Glenmorangie Milsean transports me straight to an old-fashioned sweet shop with its sweet and spicy bouquet, with hints of sugar cane, ripe fruits and fudge. Extra-maturing Glenmorangie in heavily toasted red wine casks for the first time, has allowed us to create a whisky recalling a bygone era.”

The wine casks used for secondary maturation previously contained Portuguese red wine.  Toasting these casks caramelized the wine sugars as well as wood sugars from the barrel.  These casks were involved in a “pioneering experiment” before being used for this new expression.

Let’s take a look at how this new Glenmorangie expression tastes.

The nose is full of sweet, ripe fruit, brown sugar and delicate spice.  Deep down is a touch of salted toffee alongside a hint of wine.  Overall, the aroma isn’t overly sweet, but comes across as slightly richer than Glenmorangie’s standard 10-year-old expression.  On entry, cinnamon candy tingles the tongue, followed by caramelized fruit, vanilla ice cream and citrus (which comes across as those chewy orange candies).  It brightens up a bit towards the end of the mid-palate.  The finish starts off spicy, then develops into refreshing tropical fruit and slightly astringent oak.

The press materials paint this whisky as one that’s extremely sweet.  Instead of saccharine sweetness, Glenmorangie Milsean exhibits caramel richness, fruity sweetness and a vibrant combination of spice and crisp citrus.  Together, these flavors come together very nicely.  Dr. Lumsden has created a very interesting expression with Milsean that can be enjoyed anytime, especially after dinner.  I can’t wait to taste what’s next.