Glenmorangie : The Nectar 16 Year Old

Characteristics and tasting advice for Glenmorangie Nectar 16 Year Old

Tasting

Appearance
This Highland single malt shows a golden-bronze hue.

Nose
The nose reveals exceptional richness reminiscent of a French pâtisserie. Aromas of brioche, baked apricot, vanilla cream, almonds, and roasted chestnuts emerge. Notes of chocolate truffle, orange syrup, and aromatic herbs such as sage or basil complete this complex, indulgent bouquet.

Palate
The texture is silky and syrupy, balanced by lemon zest. The palate unfolds rich, sweet flavors of custard, apricots, raisins, and roasted chestnuts. Spices appear with nutmeg and star anise. The finish is long, with notes of gentle oak, lemon, shortcrust pastry, and honey.

Mixology

This exceptional 16-year-old whisky is best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate the complexity brought by its finish in French, Spanish, and Hungarian dessert wine casks.

A Highland single malt with French pâtisserie influences

Glenmorangie, the excellence of the Scottish Highlands

Founded in 1843 by William Matheson in Tain in the Scottish Highlands, Glenmorangie transformed a 1738 brewery into a Scotch whisky distillery. Owned by LVMH since 2004, this distillery stands out for its twelve stills measuring 5.14 meters, the tallest in Scotland, producing 6 million liters annually. A pioneer of finishing in prestigious wine casks, Glenmorangie develops a distinctive fruity aroma profile. Its rigorous policy of selecting American oak and limiting casks to two fills ensures exceptional quality, placing this brand among the world’s best-selling single malts.

The Nectar 16 Year Old, the art of dessert wine cask finishing

The Nectar 16 Year Old represents the evolution of the former Nectar d'Or, now with refreshed packaging and a 16-year age statement. Inspired by Dr. Bill Lumsden’s scent memories from his first visit to a French pastry shop, this whisky benefits from exceptional maturation. After 14 years in American ex-bourbon barrels, it completes its aging with a two-year finish in a unique assemblage of sweet white wine casks. French Sauternes and Monbazillac casks bring notes of brioche and baked apples, while Spanish Moscatel casks develop pastry-like, syrupy aromas. Finally, Hungarian Tokaji casks add touches of white chocolate, almond, and honey, creating a creamy nectar of remarkable complexity.