One of the highlights each year is getting to taste Glenmorangie’s annual limited edition release. It’s always something interesting and this latest offering is no different. Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake starts with maturation in ex-bourbon barrels. The matured whisky then sees a short maturation in Tokaji wine casks. Glenmorangie’s “base” whisky usually plays really well with secondary maturation.

Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden, took inspiration from his cake.

“Like so many of us, some of my favourite memories come from cake, whether it be helping my granny in her kitchen, or the pineapple birthday cake my daughter surprised me with one year. By finishing whisky in Tokaji wine casks, I’ve captured the joy of those indulgent cake moments in Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake.”

Dr. Bill Lumsden

Bottled at 46% abv, Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake is immensely fruity on the nose with loads of ripe tropical fruit. It’s balanced with softer vanilla and honey as well as a slight floral note. Taste-wise, though the fruit found on the nose carries over, the whisky itself is not overtly sweet. The familiar honeyed malt and creamy vanilla notes associated with Glenmorangie add a nice base, while sweet pineapple jelly contributes some tanginess. The finish brings in hints of honey, roasted nuts, and a touch of peppermint.

First things first – the whisky is utterly delicious, but there’s more to it. A Tale of Cake is certainly reminiscent of a cake from those birthday parties I had as a child, or at least what my mind remembers. Whiskies that can evoke pleasant memories are certainly the ones we like to keep around and share with friends. Every whisky has a story, but few have both the taste and quality to bring you back to great times in your life. This is one of those whiskies. Bottom line – this whisky is delicious. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Glenmorangie for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This Thanksgiving, it might be a great time to look at some of Heaven Hill’s latest offerings. We’re tasting the new Parker’s Heritage Collection release, the most recent Old Fitzgerald, and the latest batches of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Larceny Barrel Proof.

PARKER’S HERITAGE COLLECTION 2020 – HEAVY CHAR BOURBON

The 14th edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection plays with the barrel. Like last year’s rye whiskey release, this edition sees a bourbon that spent a decade maturing in heavily charred barrels. Heaven Hill generally uses a barrel with a char level of 3 for their whiskies, while barrels for this bourbon were charred to a level 5. It’s bottled at 120 proof. The extra charring contributes a darker character, giving us notes of maple syrup, roasted almonds, dried fruit and a touch of oak spice. The bold palate consists of a mouth coating toffee and vanilla extract. Coffee and dark chocolate-covered cherries develop soon afterwards, giving way to satisfying oak spice. The finish is long with lingering hints of toffee and barrel char.

Another winner! Heaven Hill has hit it out of the park with this year’s edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection. At an SRP of $120, this is an easy recommendation.

OLD FITZGERALD FALL 2020

This release of Heaven Hill’s wheated bourbon sees a 14-year age statement. It’s bottled-in-bond, keeping in line with the brand’s recent refresh. The subtle nose carries hints of coffee cake, cinnamon, and honey. Taste-wise, this whiskey presents itself in a sweet, yet rounded, manner. Caramel and sweet vanilla cake develop into a stewed fruit and cinnamon sugar. Some oak spice on the back of the palate keep this from getting too saccharine. The medium finish features oak and candied fruit.

The Old Fitzgerald Fall 2020 is one of the better releases as of late. It doesn’t drink like an old, stodgy 14-year-old whiskey. Instead, it’s rather sweet and playful while still maintaining an underlying complexity.

LARCENY BARREL PROOF (Batch C920)

The other wheated bourbon from Heaven Hill, Larceny shares the same mash bill as Old Fitz. This batch is proofed at 122.4. There’s no age statement but Larceny’s generally in the 6ish year range. The high proof shows in the nose, with strong hints of caramel and sweet corn with top notes of cinnamon and vanilla extract. The palate starts off a little fiery but quickly calms, revealing hints caramel corn, marzipan, and a touch of cardamon. The long, warming finish is semi-sweet with hints of vanilla icing and sweet oak.

Another solid batch that doesn’t veer from Larceny’s great flavor profile.

ELIJAH CRAIG BARREL PROOF (Batch C920)

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is easily one of my favorite whiskies. Batch C920 comes in at 132.8 proof. That means a splash of water is needed. I like high proof whiskey, but a 132 proof bourbon served neat isn’t doing your palate any favors. The nose features hints of roasted sweet corn and brown sugar. That trademark Elijah Craig oakiness is present, as is tinged orange peel. On the palate, this batch kicks things off with a blast of brown sugar. Once that initial wave subsides, we get espresso, dried fruit, and toasted oak. Delicious. The long finish is warming (as expected) with notes of sweet oak, citrus, and a touch of spearmint.

A bruiser of a whiskey! If you’ve ever tasted Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, you don’t need a review to tell you to buy it again. If you’re a newbie, don’t hesitate to reach for your wallet.

Thanks to Heaven Hill for the samples. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.