Glenmorangie Ealanta

One of the most renowned Glenmorangie expressions that i have never had before, was the famous "Ealanta". Part of "The Private Collection", this one always goes for a lot of money in auctions (around 200-300) and it is the flagship dram that Glenmorangie shares with the visitors of the distillery. I have always wonder if this one is worth the price. Well, i visited Glenmorangie and i finally had it, now let me tell you about it. Ealanta means "skillfull" or "genius" and it is a 1993 vintage dram, an has been matured in misouri american white oak, where Glenmorangie happens to own a forest where this trees exist. Bottled at 46%abv. On the nose, this is very special. Ripe bananas. A citric complexity is the only way to describe it. Bananas have intensified after a first sip. Vanilla and Coconut Raffaelo bombons (from Ferrero). Fancy. On the palate, it is delicious. Vanilla ice cream, grated coconut. It is the most refined glenmorangie ever. The Signet is chocolate/coffee but it is not as fancy as this (and that is quite the statement). Aftertaste continues the elegance. Salty, super fancy. Ginger, clove, hay; verything very well delivered. There is this very, very dim salty and earthy flavor which is fantastic. Overall, this is a breathtaking dram. When i hear "american white oak maturation" i immidiately expect something classic and maybe boring. This wasn't the case. Ealanta is the best that this type of maturation can offer. Absolutely surprising, my score for it is 96 over 100.

First: the reference to an "unusually young age" doesn't make much sense, considering this has been aged for 19 years, according to Glenmorangie's web site. I found this to be a very compelling iteration of the Glenmorangie spirit. Lots and lots of orange zest and a strong nuttiness, almond or Brazil nuts, on the nose. Oak, obviously, is pervasive but also some sweet butterscotch or toffee. Slight biscuit scent. On the tongue the orange zest is still surprisingly apparent. Very nutty as well. Lots of oak notes but a different kind of oak, one that is spicy and zesty in a way I've never quite experienced. Coconut. Lots of oaky vanilla sweetness. Gingery finish that a long and lovely.

If you’re able to attend one of the launch events for Glenmorangie’s latest Private Edition, you’ll be given a random token to sample one of the nine previous releases. If your token has a number four on it (either by chance or persuasion), you’ll get a chance to try this rare bottling. This is a classic malty, creamy Highland whisky, well rounded, robust and long of flavor, just like the slightly less scarce 19-year-old travel retail exclusive that succeeded it. Either one will stand testimony to the peaks the Glenmorangie spirit can reach if it’s left to age in a cask that doesn’t stray too far from tradition.

NOSE Creamy vanilla, oak, spice, malt, citrus, caramel, light butterscotch and banana taffy. Wow, the nose on this Glenmorangie Ealanta is wonderful. Robust and full of french pastry elegance. PALATE Same creamy vanilla starter but with a heavier caramel, malt and banana (banana caramel malted shake anyone?), fresh pastries, oak, cinnamon and some butterscotch and citrus. The “oak” note is a bit more subdued here and it’s a bit sweeter than the nose on the whole, but retains its beautiful balance. FINISH Long -> Creamy vanilla, caramel, oak, spice and honied graham on a birthday cake fade.

A piña colada like flavor profile with some chocolate, honey, cherries, peaches, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cloves. Nose: Honey, Vanilla, Milk Chocolate Covered Cherries, Peaches, Apricots, Raisins, Banoffee Pie, Pears, Green Apples, White Chocolate, Coconut, Tangerines, Pineapples Palate: Vanilla, Honey, Toffee, Milk Chocolate, Raisins, Cherries, Raspberries, Bananas, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Cloves, Oranges Finish: Vanilla, Piña Colada, Honey, Caramel, Bananas, Mocha, Chocolate

Nose shows pina colada notes (pineapple, coconut,) along with a touch of orange. On the palate, there is light salt throughout. Marmalade notes, along with tangerine. Finishes with quite a bit of lingering salt. It really is unique and fantastic, but not quite amazing.