Whisky Focus - Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices Review

Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices Review


2nd September 2025
Review of the Glenmorangie A Tale Of Spices which is the 6th release in this series from the creative Highland whisky maker, this one is a marriage of spirits finished in four distinct cask types – including an experimental maturation in Moroccan red wine casks.

Glenmorangie A Tale of SpicesGlenmorangie has unveiled the sixth release in its acclaimed "A Tale Of" series: Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices. This limited-edition expression is said to highlight the whisky creators’ boundless imagination, drawing inspiration from the sensory wonders of bustling spice markets.

For the first time, Glenmorangie has crafted a whisky from a marriage of spirits finished in four distinct cask types – including an experimental maturation in Moroccan red wine casks. The result they tell me is a whisky fragranced with ginger, saffron, nutmeg, and sugared almonds, adding layers of bold complexity to Glenmorangie’s signature elegance.

For over 180 years, Glenmorangie’s whisky makers have pursued creativity and innovation, producing single malts as refined as they are inviting. Under the guidance of Dr. Bill Lumsden MBE, Director of Whisky Creation, the team continually transforms sparks of inspiration into whisky. The A Tale Of… series embodies this vision – whiskies born from memories, experiences, and sensations, from the sweetness of an ice-cream parlour to the warmth of winter evenings.

Drawn to the vivid colours and aromas of spice markets, Dr. Bill sought to capture their vibrancy in whisky form. Together with Master Blender Gillian Macdonald, he experimented with a quartet of cask finishes – a first for Glenmorangie. French oak Moroccan red wine casks bring rich layers of spice; new charred oak adds intensity; shaved and toasted red wine casks provide fruity nuance; and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks deliver deep, sweet richness.

From this distinctive combination emerges A Tale of Spices – said to be a complex whisky that balances perfume, sweetness, and spice. Notes of cumin, saffron, nutmeg, ginger, and chilli intertwine with floral hints of rose and jasmine, complemented by sugared almonds and a refreshing touch of eucalyptus. Presented in a gift box adorned with a mosaic of warm, vibrant colours, it reflects the dazzling spice mounds of the world’s most enchanting markets.

Dr Bill said: "I have always loved the variety of colours and aromas I’ve found in spice markets around the globe. Some years ago, Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and I experimented with Moroccan red wine casks for the first time and became captivated by the fragrant, spiced notes that they imparted to our whisky. From there, we created an unusual cask recipe of new charred oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and shaved, toasted red wine casks to create a mosaic of flavours. Each sip of this limited edition is like immersing yourself in the sensory delights of a spice market – with new flavours and aromas at every turn. There are complex, earthy notes of ginger, nutmeg and cumin, with sweet floral hints and sugared almonds floating over the top. A sensory delight for single malt lovers to explore and enjoy."

Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices has already earned recognition, winning a Gold medal at the International Spirits Competition 2025. Inspired by the vibrant scents and colours of spice markets, the release has also given rise to a menu of aromatic cocktails, available to explore at glenmorangie.com.

Bottled non chill-filtered at 46% ABV, Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices has a RRP of £76 and is available f
rom specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices Review


Review added 17th September 2025. Bottled at 46% ABV.

William Morrison's Tasting Notes:

Nose: A sweet fruity, fragrant interplay of raisin and sultana, light orange citrus, pineapple and almond is joined by some gentle, fresh spices - nutmeg, cumin and a little distant touch of red liquorice.

Taste: The headlined spices take the lead with ginger, pepper, chilli, nutmeg all charged with sweet spiced oak, closely followed by a lovely wave of sugared almond and the raisin and sultana, and now slightly more pronounced orange citrus from the nose.

Finish: A long finish, the fruits don't hang around long they are quickly overthrown by the spices - oak tannins, black pepper and a touch of liquorice which linger for an age. Slightly drying in the end.

Comment: This has no age statement but I would say it is far from being a youngster, I suspect a creative mix of young and old and it certainly delivers its headlined spices and all with a lovely touch of fruit, quite a different Glenmorangie but a very good one.

SMW Whisky Score 90/100
 

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