Glenmorangie Companta

I always lurk in the depths of whisky auctions. I scroll through thousands of bottles almost daily. It is my hobby. An i have seen this bottle going for a good amount of money regulary. I always wonder why, since Glenmorangie Lasanta is in my books the worst "Glenmo", and it is matured in PX sherry, which is actually my favorite sherry maturation. I just think Lasanta is very underwhelming. And after making a small research i got out of my ignorance: Companta is not matured in PX sherry, but really in Grand Cru de Clos de Tart casks (whatever that means) and in Côtes du Rhône barrels (?) (Actually this one is a fortified wine). Bottled at 46%abv, lovely red color. On the nose, it is FANTASTIC. Cherry syrup, milk chocolate; Super sherried (i know it is not sherry but feels like it). Lemon peel has appeared after 5 seconds. It is like the "bubbalo gum" liquid center. After a first sip, it released a more floral profile. Maraschino Cherries, vanilla cream and vanilla wet cake. Outstanding. On the palate, Cherries, Incredibly sweet. It is so sweet that actually reminds me of PX sherry. A second sip was a little winey with slightl mineral notes. Aftertaste is the perfect ending for a wonderful dram. Fortified wine notes, glazed pork and a ginger bomb that is incredibly pleasant. It is very winey. Overall, i was very surprised by how good this is. I believe an average price for this one is around 400 dollars, but in my books, it is totally worth it. If you like a sweet whisky, this is the one you have been looking for. Marvelous single malt, my score for it is 96 over 100.

Wow what a full, rich, fruity nose. I haven’t even tasted it yet, but I needed to note the nose right away because it smells so good. Dark fruit and cinnamon spice are heavy. I could just smell it all day. On the taste, explosion of flavor in my mouth. Rich dark fruit once again. There’s a slight hint of barley mustiness toward the end, then it quickly gives way to a long, oily finish. Rich, velvety mouthfeel throughout. It’s like the 12 yr Quinta Ruban, but better. More wood spice and oily richness. Damn fine scotch. P.S. I’m halfway through the dram and I keep going back to how delightfully fruity and cinnamony that nose is. Damn.

NOSE SweetTarts, honied graham, baking spice, leather, cocoa, citrus zest and some vanilla frosting and ash. There is a mild candy sweetness that ties it all together and even hits moments of beautiful dark sweetness. PALATE Dried dark fruit, copper, SweetTarts, honied graham, baking spice, leather, cocoa, citrus zest and some vanilla frosting and ash. There’s an essence to it (dark fruit + honied graham) that makes me think of blueberry pie. It doesn’t taste like blueberry pie, but the combo of flavors here is triggering that thought. FINISH Medium -> Dark fruit, honied graham and copper in a warm oily fade.

I wanted to taste it for a long time but when it became clear that l missed all the chances, I saw it in some restaurant's bar and didn't withstand a tempt to order a portion. Perfect! I think it also played its part that the whisky was in already half-empty bottle for sometime and was oxydized a little, so it was ideally smooth. Never felt so clearly the dark chocolate notes in a whisky. Dark chocolate with orange. Long warming finish. Reminded me why I am a GM fan. Became my ultimate favorite side by side with Aberlour A'bunadh.

Lovely Christmas flavor profile Nose: Raisins, Raspberries, Mulled Wine, Cloves, Christmas Cakes, Anise, Prunes, Dates, Luxardo Cherries, Honey, Vanilla, Pineapples Palate: Vanilla, Honey, Milk Chocolate, Prunes, Raisins, Cranberries, Hazlenuts, Cinnamon, Cloves, Figs, Grapefruit Finish: Raisins, Prunes, Milk Chocolate, Honey, Figs, Grapefruit, Sultanas, Pineapples, Bananas, Coconuts, Dates

What a gem. Beautiful Marron red presenting itself as a whiskey with deep flavors. Clean, smooth and not even close to harsh. Sweetness of honey, cantaloupe, fig, plum. Some delicate floral notes dance in and out that really give this it's unique finish.