Discover the Unprecedented Elegance of Glenmorangie's A Tale of Tokyo: A Whisky Journey Beyond Tradition.
Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary whisky journey that transcends tradition and explores the vibrant essence of Japan?
Look no further than Glenmorangie's A Tale of Tokyo, the fourth release in the remarkable 'Tale of' series. Dr. Bill Lumsden, the visionary director of distilling and whisky creation at Glenmorangie, drew inspiration from his experiences in Japan to craft this exceptional single malt.
What sets A Tale of Tokyo apart is its innovative aging process, featuring the use of Japanese Mizunara oak casks—an unprecedented move for Glenmorangie as its signature usually lies in the exclusive use of white oak casks, meticulously selected and crafted from the Ozarks.
With Glenmorangie’s core expressions, one of which Conner MacLeod orders a double of in the movie Highlander, these casks are given room to breathe for two years, and during this time, Glenmorangie extends a unique invitation to local distilleries to mature their Bourbon in these very barrels. Then, with precision and artistry, these casks find their way back home to Glenmorangie to add the final touches to the maturation journey.
Glenmorangie’s A Tale of Tokyo is essentially a harmonious fusion of spirits that have matured in sherry and bourbon barrels, enriched by the unique essence of Japanese wood. Bottled at a robust 46% ABV, it showcases label and packaging designs in collaboration with the celebrated Japanese artist Akira Yamaguchi, a visual embodiment of Tokyo's captivating blend of contrasts and cultural depth.
From the moment you uncork this masterpiece, your senses will be transported to a world of sensory delights. The nose greets you with an enchanting symphony of sandalwood, incense, dried cherries, vanilla, and star anise, all skilfully intertwined with Glenmorangie's iconic tangy orange note.
Take a sip, and you'll embark on a silky journey of flavours, with notes of citrus, marzipan, fennel, dried fruit, white pepper, toffee apple, and a subtle hint of cinnamon. The finish is a crescendo dominated by the luscious flavours of mandarin, orange peel, tea leaves, toasted almonds and umami richness/
Glenmorangie's A Tale of Tokyo is a masterful blend of bold, vibrant flavours and gentle sweetness, echoing the sensory contrasts of the city that inspired it. While this limited edition expression encapsulates the very spirit of Glenmorangie, it adds an idiosyncratic new nuance by offering a unique fusion of Mizunara oak, bourbon, and sherry casks.
Dr. Bill Lumsden's experiment with Mizunara casks has resulted in a whisky that brilliantly balances the familiar with the refreshingly new. While this truly harmonious and exceptional dram may not be a literal representation of Tokyo, A Tale of Tokyo embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation. This whisky is destined to be one of the standout expressions of the year, offering a memorable tasting experience that seamlessly combines tradition with an exciting twist.
Do not miss the opportunity to savour this remarkable creation from Glenmorangie—a brand renowned for its consistent excellence in the world of single malt Scotch whisky.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Glenmorangie.